Leadership training for undergrads at Buddhist temple

The Banner advertising the course

University of Peradeniya, the premier university in the country, has deviated from the norms in order to bring about an end to inhuman  ragging and instill the message in the minds of the undergraduates that their main task is to become academics so that they can fit into the present society. 

The Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter Ven. Tibbotutuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera has allowed the University of Peradeniya to conduct a course on personality, leadership and ethical behaviour for one thousand second year undergraduates at his temple ‘Ridihi Raja Maha Vihare’ at Ridigama, in the Kurunegala district.  This course is conducted in three stages taking in batches of three hundred and fifty. Sessions will be held for three days leading up ti the the first week of March.  

Vice Chancellor Upul B.Dissanayake said that this is the first time in the history of universities in the county that a course is conducted at any University outside its premises

This move by the Mahnayake of the Malwatta Chapter also seems to be the turning point where religion-whatever the faith, is involved in shaping the lives of the ‘ cream ‘ of the society. It is an accepted fact that the percentage of students who enter the state Universities is low. This is despite the strenuous period of study at the pre-university level.

Vice Chancellor Upul B.Dissanayake said that this is the first time in the history of universities in the county that a course is conducted at any University outside its premises. The Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter had seen that this sort of course outside the university premises in the spacious Ridee Raja Maha Vihare would present the undergraduates an opportunity to reflect on the roles they have to play in the progress of the country. 

He also said that the Mahnayake has allowed the spacious International Auditorium to be used free to ensure that there is discipline and to see that ragging is stopped; if this country is to the progress.

Vice Chancellor Upul B.Dissanayake being ushered in a procession which featured Kandyan dancers. Prof. Nandani Wijesinghe of the Department of Sociology is also in the picture

The Vice Chancellor said that everyone is speaking about corruption and other anti social activities from the Grama Sevaka to the higher echelons of the society. Who are manning them he questioned?  They are manned by the very people who have received university education. He said that during this Course participants could focus within and discipline themselves. 

• He said that during this Course participants could focus within and discipline themselves
• The course for these undergraduates is being conducted by the Department of Sociology
• Everyone in these three groups would be involved in various activities in Personality building , Leadership and Ethical behaviour

Vice Chancellor Dissanayake said that a few days ago three students - undergraduates- came to him and said that they should be ‘saved’. These are the undergraduates who were involved in politics within the university and displaying slogans on behalf of political parties. They had forgotten about themselves and the fact that they are undergraduates. They should have a future. They have been eight yeas behind in their courses and they are now pleading that they should be allowed to sit for the examinations and also follow their courses. 

Vice Chancellor Upul B.Dissanayke addresses the undergraduates

This is a difficult situation as the University terms do not allow undergrads who have been away from their examinations and lectures for eight years to follow a University career.   There seems to be no way out and he had explained his position as well.  “They are now pleading,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor said that all these undergraduates, who were gathered at this auditorium, should realise that what comes first is the end result of their entering this hallowed University. 

Ven. Tibbotutuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera has allowed the University of Peradeniya to conduct a course on personality, leadership and ethical behaviour for one thousand second year undergraduates

The course for these undergraduates is being conducted by the Department of Sociology and coordinated by Prof. Shantahi Wijesinghe.  Prof. Wijesinghe said that he thought of conducting this course on  ‘Valentine’s Day’ as it was a youth affair and that all those who are involved are youth and that suits all who are present here; representing many faiths.  He added that everyone in these three groups would be involved in various activities in Personality building , Leadership and Ethical behaviour. 

Prof. Wijesinghe, who opened the forum, said that one must remind himself or herself the purpose behind entering a premier institution in education and what they should do for themselves and the country. A cake was also cut to mark the occasion.

Participants including undergraduate monks pose for picture 

Other participants