President emphasises need to rebuild a disciplined and virtuous society

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized the urgent need to rebuild a disciplined and virtuous society by restoring the spirit of humanity in a social environment where power and wealth have undermined positive values.

President Dissanayake noted that the Maha Sangha can play a significant role in guiding this transformation.

The President made these remarks while participating in the inauguration of the 74th Upasampadha (higher ordination) religious ceremony of Sri Lanka Ramanna sect, held at the Mahaweli Grounds in Galnewa.

President Dissanayake noted that alongside the material victories the people aim to achieve, there are also many spiritual triumphs that individuals should pursue. The Head of State emphasized that a nation which once listened to the Dhamma preached for centuries based on loving-kindness, compassion and non-violence must now reflect on its present fate and recognize the repercussions of deviating from those principles.

Underscoring the collective responsibility of building a disciplined and virtuous society, the President called on all citizens to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to this mission without delay. He further stated that preserving the continuity and integrity of the Buddha’s teachings requires great care and that significant religious observances such as the higher ordination (Upasampadā) ceremonies play a vital role in sustaining the Dhamma for future generations.

President Dissanayake pointed out that certain political groups had exploited nationalism as a tool to regain power. However, he stressed that the true victims of such actions were not the politicians themselves, but the innocent children of parents from both the North and the South. He emphasized the need to reject nationalism and work diligently toward fostering national unity. While affirming that everyone has the right to act freely and democratically, the President emphasized that his administration would not permit nationalism to resurface again. If existing laws are insufficient to suppress it, he stated, they would be strengthened to defeat divisive forces. He reiterated that the goal of his government is to build a society where Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities can live together in peace and harmony.

Addressing the matter of disciplinary discussions within the Sangha, President Dissanayake expressed the government’s willingness to facilitate any dialogue, provided that the Mahanayaka Theras can reach a consensus on the matter. Until then, he said, the request to amend Sections 42 and 43 of the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance has been submitted to the Minister of Buddhasasana and is already under review by the Legal Draftsman’s Department.

This year’s Upasampada Maha Vinaya Karma ceremony of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya is being held from June 30 to July 8, cantered at the Sri Vidyadhara Maha Pirivena in Kalawewa, Kalakarambewa. It is jointly organized by the provincial Sangha Sabhas of the North Central Province and the Upasampada Maha Utsava Committee.

Following the establishment of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya in the country, the first Upasampada Vinaya Karma (higher ordination ceremony) was conducted in July 1864 at the Mahamodara Udakukkepa Seema Malaka, centered around the Weliwatta Vijayananda Pirivena in Galle. Since its founding by the Most Venerable Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Saranankara Mahanayake Thera, it has maintained a deep commitment to strict monastic discipline and tradition.

Accordingly, this year too, in keeping with long-standing tradition, approximately 400 Samanera monks will be conferred with the prestigious Upasampadha (higher ordination) at the Udakukkepa Seema Malaka at the banks of the Kala Oya. This sacred Upasampadā Vinayakarma is being conducted under the leadership of the Mahanayaka of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Aggamahapandita, Shastrapati Most Venerable Makulewe Sri Wimala Mahanayake Thera.

On this occasion, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was also presented with several important publications of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya, the ‘Sasuna’ Upasampada edition, the scholarly compilation ‘Patipada’ and the commemorative volume ‘Pride of Heritage’.

Additionally, the President conferred honorary titles and Vijinipatha (a traditional fan) upon several monks of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the Dhamma and the Sasana both locally and internationally.

A large gathering of dignitaries participated in the inauguration ceremony.

Among those present were Aggamahapandita Prof. Most Venerable Atthangane Rathanapala Thero, the Judicial Head of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Atthangane Sasanarathana Thero, the Chief Secretary of the Nikaya, Most Venerable Halpanwila Palitha Thero, the Deputy Judicial Secretary, Most Venerable Elappankulame Vanshananda Thero, the Chief Organizer of the Upasampadā Punya Mahotsava Committee and Northern Central Province Leader and the Maha sangha ncluding Most Venerable Gangasiripura Dhammaaloka Thero the Chief Incumbent of Hantana Sandagiri Maha Seya.