“The programmes will be implemented from the next year under the guidance and advice of the Maha Sangha, including the Tri Nikayas’ Sanga Nayaka Theras, to make Sri Lanka the Centre of Theravada Buddhism,” the President said.

He made these observations at a religious ceremony at the Ambalangoda, Polwaththa Sri Aggarama Temple on September 12.

The ceremony was organised to offer the Sannasa (Scroll) to the Most.Ven. Nindane Vajiragnana Nayaka Thera for elevating his position to Anu Nayaka Thera of the Kalyaniwansa Nikaya of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya.

The President presented the Sannasa and the Vijinipatha to the newly appointed Anu Nayaka Thera.

The President said the service of the educated, disciplined and erudite Bhikkhus is an imperative requirement of the country.

President Sirisena said the only way to heal the deteriorating society with commercialisation is the Buddhist philosophy. He said the International Vesak Day celebrations will be held in grand scale next year. All Head of States of the Buddhist countries will be invited to attend the ceremony.

The newly appointed Most.Ven. Nindane Vajiragnana Nayaka Thera is the Chief Incumbent of the Ambalangoda, Polwaththa Sri Aggarama, Kobeithuduwa Siri Pashchimaramaya and Dorala Purwaramaya temples.

The Maha Sangha, including the Sri Kalyanawansa Chapter Chief Prelate Most Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Nayaka Thera, State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Southern Province Governor Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Chief Minister Shan Vijayalal de Silva also participated.