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Number of monks have disrobed: UNP

02 Dec 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

As many as 728 Buddhist monks who obtained higher ordination and 940 novice monks had disrobed themselves last year posing a threat to the existence of the Buddha Sasana, and the government should take serious note of this situation, the UNP said in Parliament.

Speaking during the debate on the committee stage, Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry, UNP MP for the Kurunegala district Gamini Jayawickrama Perera said that though the government spent millions of rupees for various pageants in view of the Sambuddatwa Jayanthi, nothing had been done to address the real issues confronting the religious institution. Mr. Perera said that the government should have given money for the welfare of Bhikkhus looking after temples amid financial difficulties.

"I ask the Prime Minister to give a monthly allowance of Rs.5,000 for such monks. I know of monks who do not have enough robes to be worn. They run their temples amid difficulties. It will be a great meritorious task if they are given such an allowance. That should be done in view of the Sambuddatwa Jayanthi,” he said.

He said, “We have seen a large number of young Bangladeshi Buddhist monks living in Sri Lanka. However, they do not conduct themselves in conformity of religious obligations. There are complaints that these Bangladeshi monks even eat beef.”

Also, he stressed the need to introduce tough laws to act against treasure hunters. He said that treasure hunters had damaged Buddha statues in a desecrating manner in search of valuables in recent times. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)

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Number of monks have disrobed: UNP

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