Around 2,000 Buddhist monks leave robes annually

As many as 2,000 Buddhist monks with higher ordination leave their robes annually and the economic crisis is a reason for it, United Republican Front (URF) leader MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said. Addressing a gathering of leading Buddhist monks in Nagananda Vihare in Manelwatte, he said everyone should cast aside their differences and unite to revitalize the economy. He stressed the importance of getting the blessings of the Buddhist clergy in this regard.