The President made these remarks (22) during a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the upcoming 74th Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Preserving Buddhist Heritage
Reflecting on the historical and spiritual significance of the Upasampada Vinaya Karma, a vital ceremony in Buddhism, President Dissanayake noted that the cessation of ordained monks (Upasampada Bhikkhus) would signify the decline of Buddhist institutions. He underscored the need to preserve these ancient traditions with honor and diligence.
The national Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony, organized biennially by the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya, will take place from June 30 to July 5, 2025, at the Punyawardhanarama Viharaya in Vijithapura, Palugaswewa. The event will be held at the Udakukkhepa Sima Malakaya and is expected to ordain over 250 novice monks (Samanera) under state sponsorship.
Government Commitment to a Dignified Event
President Dissanayake instructed officials to ensure all necessary facilities are provided to make the national ceremony a dignified success. He stressed the government’s commitment to upholding the traditions and cultural significance of the event.
Attendees at the Discussion
The meeting was attended by esteemed members of the Maha Sangha, including:
- Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Mahanayake Thero, Chief Prelate of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya.
- Most Venerable Professor Aththangane Rathanapala Nayaka Thero, Supreme Judicial Leader of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya.
- Most Venerable Waleboda Gunasiri Thero and Most Venerable Ankumbure Premavansa Thero, Anu Nayaka Theros.
Key government officials present included:
- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath.
- Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
- Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
- Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage.
Other notable attendees included former High Court Justice and North Central Province Governor Wasantha Kumara Wimalasiri, Chairman of the Rāmañña Nikayarakshaka Sabha and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, and Secretary of the Rāmañña Nikayarakshaka Sabha and former MP Lasantha Alagiyawanna.
This biennial ceremony serves as a vital tradition in Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious landscape, reflecting the nation’s dedication to preserving and honoring its Buddhist heritage.
