Sri Lanka: Seminar to map out programme to implement Buddhist Commission recommendations
Lanka Daily News, Dec 16, 2004
Colombo, Sri Lanka -- A top level three-day seminar of members of the Buddhist clergy and laity is to be held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo from December 17 to December 19 by the Buddha Sasana Ministry on the directive of the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Public Security, Law and Order and Deputy Minister of Defence Ratnasiri Wickremenayake to draw up a programme for the implementation of the main recommendations made in the 2002 Report of the Presidential Commission on the Buddha Sasana.
Minister of Buddha Sasana Ratnasiri Wickremenayake will inaugurate the Seminar at 8.30 a.m. at the SLFI on December 17 and will preside at the inaugural session. Several Mahanayake Theras and Anunayake Theras will be among those members of the clergy and laity who will conduct the discussions.
Eight Committees are to be appointed to discuss the eight main recommendations made in the Commission Report and work out a programme of action for speedy implementation, according to the Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana B.A. Abeywickrema.
The eight Committees will discuss the following subjects:
December 17
From 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon - Subject "Section 9 of the Constitution", presented by Mr. Manoharan de Silva, Attorney-at-Law, presided by - Douglas Premaratne, former Solicitor General.
From 1.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. - Subject - "Bhikku Society", presented by Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Nayake Thera, presided by - Ven. Yatagama Dhammapala Thera.
From 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. - Subject - "Unconventional ways of propergating religion", presented by Ven. WelamitiyaweKusaladhamma Nayake Thera, presided by Ven. Weligama GnanaratanaNayake Thera.
December 18
From 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. - Subject "Lands belonging to Vihara Devalas", presented by U. Mapa, presided by Ven. Bellana Gnanawimala Mahanayake Thera.
From 10.45 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. - Subject "Preservation of Buddhistmonuments", presented by Dr. W.H. Wijepala,presided by Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Nayake Thera.
From 1.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. - Subject "Role of the Media", presented by Ven. Dr. Meegoda Pagnaloka Nayake Thera,presided by Prof. J.B. Dissanayaka.
From 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. - Subject "Social Reforms", presented by Ven. Agalakada Sirisumana Thera, presided by Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Nayake Thera.
December 19
From 8.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. - Subject "Dasasil Meniyo", presented by Bhikkuni Ragama Uppalawanna, presided by Ven. WelamitiyaweKusaladhamma Nayake Thera.
From 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon - Closing Session conducted by Secretary, Buddha Sasana, presided by Most Ven. TibbotuwaweSumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter.
