Asgiriya Mahanayake deplores protests by student monks

The Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Venerable Udugama Sri Buddhrakitha Thera, deplored the attitude of Bhikkhus taking to the roads as protestors while getting beaten and tear gassed during demonstrations. He said children are given over to the temples by their parents to be ordained and educated, expecting them to adhere to the discipline set for Bhikkhus. “They are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and decorum and serve the people. This is the purpose of Bhikkhuhood,” he said.

The Mahanayake was delivering the main Anusasanawa at the 50th Anniversary commemorations of the Asgiri Maha Vihara Maha Pirivena, on Saturday at the Pirivena Auditorium. The Director of the Asgiri Maha Vihara Maha Pirivena, Venerable Panditha Naranpanawe Ananda Thera, welcomed the gathering.

The Chief Guest on this occasion was the Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha.

The Mahanayake further said all governments should be held responsible for the present state of student Bhikkhu education. “They have been given University education and other benefits and their aim is far from serving the people, for which they have entered the order,” he added.

The Mahanayake further added he is most unhappy to see the state of the Bhikkhu students agitating on the streets in demonstrations, when they have entered a sacred purpose in life, most importantly to serve the people. He said in the past the Bhikkhus who obtained the 'Panditha' and 'Pracheena', have not only served the people but have also held high positions in their own way.

The Mahanayake said when one dons the robe, it should be their duty to safeguard the dignity of the robe and Bhikkhus should show it the respect it deserves. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said there had been problems earlier too when he was the Minister of Higher Education and he solved these problems through discussions. He said the present situation had arisen due to the fault of the Ministry of Higher Education.

The Minister said that the Exhibition he viewed at the Asgiri Maha Vihare Pirivena was of a high standard and was the best out of all the exhibitions he had seen at any Pirivena.

The Anunayake Thera of Malwatta Maha Viharaya, Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thera also delivered an Anusasanawa. Among those present were a host of Nayake Theras from various parts of the country and also the District Secretary, Gotabaya Jayaratne.