Age limit for ordaining Buddhist monks mulled

16 June 2023 09:53 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Mahanayake Theras of three Chapters, has sought to introduce an age limit for ordaining young children as monks.

Minister Vidura Wickramanayake told Daily Mirror that he had held talks with the Mahanayake Theras who stressed the need to introduce an age limit after further talks with ‘Karaka Sanga Sabha’ or Working Committees of the relevant Chapters.

The Minister said he had given mind to such a decision because denial of parental care for children after becoming novice monks could have a bearing on their personality development and emotional well-being.

“Denial of emotional care has resulted in the ‘unpriestly’ behaviour of some monks today,” he said.

Besides, he said such an introduction of an age limit is needed to comply with the international ‘covenants’ on child rights.

“During the time of the then Prime Minister Sirima Bandaranaike, the need for an age limit has been discussed. It has even been agreed to introduce 12 as the age limit. We have not yet decided on the age. It will be done by the hierarchy of the main Buddhist Chapters,” he said. (Kelum Bandara)

Comments - 20

Sri Friday, 16 June 2023 11:12 PM

Well done Sir . We hope that this will help many parents and children...Love; affection; childhood play and children psychological; intellectual and emotional developments are important at this age .. Parental love and Affection are more important..could you please extend this law to all other Religious traditions as well please ...Muslim community too send their children to Madarasa at this childhood age . please apply this law to community of different faith . This is very good idea.

Johan Friday, 16 June 2023 11:21 PM

12 years is too early. The young ones cannot decide about their future, as they are minors. It should be over 18years age.Do not bring outdated policies at this 21st century

Gokula Siripathiarachchi Saturday, 17 June 2023 03:33 AM

Great move. My make it 16 A life of a monk carries extreme responsibility and discipline. It's not for everyone. Anyone who accepts this path must understand what they are getting into.

naradha Saturday, 17 June 2023 04:40 AM

It should be 18 years of age.

Tissa Fernando Saturday, 17 June 2023 04:54 AM

Why these politicians are interfering with traditional practices? Conspiracy against monks?

Vis Saturday, 17 June 2023 05:18 AM

Enforced indoctrination is no different from child abuse....Pirabha also did the same..

Ram Saturday, 17 June 2023 05:47 AM

I agree with 10 years after finishing the Primary School. Without fixing to an age it must be said that child must complete primary school up to Year 5. Child will have a little maturity. From that point before ordaining the child must be assigned to a temple for 6 months for the child to decide if he is suited. Many children are ordained to please their parents wishes/vows or due to domestic hardships. that must not be allowed

ANTON Saturday, 17 June 2023 08:18 AM

WHAT ABOUT AGE LIMITS FOR POLITICCAS ?

nihal jinadasa Saturday, 17 June 2023 08:41 AM

Timely initiative and should be made 16 yrs the limit ....!

Anoma Alahakoon Saturday, 17 June 2023 09:13 AM

I believe at least 16 years for a child to decide path of life.

D P P Prasad Saturday, 17 June 2023 09:21 AM

Certain teenagers who ordain don’t have a proper understanding to protect it Besides the teenagers are tempted to be involved in numerous crimes without a precise education Therefore at least after getting through the GCE/OL should be widely mooted

Jennifer Saturday, 17 June 2023 11:29 AM

Very good decision. The way to go. Parents very conveniently throw them into temples to get rid of the burden. Very very unfair. 16 years would be a ripe age to understand their decision making.

Buddhist Saturday, 17 June 2023 12:01 PM

Leave these matters to be decided by the Mahanayake Theros and the Sangha Council. Politicians for mere publicity should not interfere in these but keep to their politics.

Hon. Arnolis Saturday, 17 June 2023 12:26 PM

Only those who pass 18 years are considered adults.

Save Sasana Saturday, 17 June 2023 12:47 PM

Proof how NGO led FSP

Punchi Saturday, 17 June 2023 01:23 PM

If we do this how are our venerable going to get their comforts and engage in their favourite activity

BUDDHIST Saturday, 17 June 2023 07:33 PM

Become a Anagarika at the age of 16 and enter Temple as an 'Upasaka/Upasika'; Spend Two Years thereafter 'getting-to-know- what it is / what temple life is... Out of the Two years, first year could be Ata Sil and the Second Year Dasa Sil. At the Age of 18 years they could be ordained. Meanwhile, during these two years 16-18 AT ANYTIME they are free to go back 'home' to lay life.

Sira Sunday, 18 June 2023 02:24 AM

There need to be upper limit as well

Ronnie Sunday, 18 June 2023 11:47 AM

Sri Lankan government must take full responsibility to educate all children untill finish high school compulsory..The law should apply a minimum age for any kind of activities for future endeavour should be a age approved by government between over 16 or over 18 to help kids children for there own future developments to be chosen...protecting the kids children should be a priority

Martin Sunday, 18 June 2023 09:37 PM

Poor kids. Please let them enjoy their childhood!

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Age limit for ordaining Buddhist monks mulled

Comments - 20

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