June 02, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the imperative nature, as outlined in the constitution, of prioritising Buddhism.
He has stressed that the responsibility for upholding this principle lies with the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
During his participation in the inauguration ceremony of the “Gurudev Suva Arana Gilan Bhikshu Centre” in Kiriwatthuduwa, Homagama, President Wickremesinghe reiterated the need for the executive, the constitution, and the judiciary, as the three branches of government, to prioritise the Buddhist doctrine within the nation.
He emphasised that any failure to support this principle constitutes a violation of the constitution and reiterated the obligation of all Members of Parliament to protect it.
President Wickremesinghe highlighted that the core principles of the country’s constitution include people’s sovereignty, the prioritisation of Buddhism, and the preservation of territorial integrity.
He emphasised the importance of consistently advancing while safeguarding these principles, stating that any opposition to them constitutes a breach of the constitution.
Moreover, President Wickremesinghe shared that he was entrusted with overseeing the treatment of a critically ill patient who, despite being on the brink of death, is now showing gradual signs of recovery.
He expressed his heartfelt appreciation in advance for the invaluable guidance and support provided by the Maha Sangha throughout this endeavour.
The establishment of the “Gurudev Suva Arana Gilan Bhikshu Centre” was initiated following the suggestion of the late Chief Registrar of Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya and the Chief incumbent of Sri Dhathumaluwa Viharaya Kohuwala, Venerable Mapalagama Siri Somissara Nayaka Thero, and upon the recommendation of the current Chief incumbent of Sri Dhathumaluwa Viharaya Kohuwala, Venerable Pitigala Sonuttara Nayaka Thero.
This centre aims to cater to the needs of monks locally and internationally.
The centre comprises a five-story building and a three-story building, facilitating simultaneous treatment for fifty monks.
Its amenities include 20 rooms, a ward yard, an alms hall, medicine stores, emergency treatment units, office rooms, and a hostel for doctors, ensuring comprehensive care and accommodation for those in need.
Under the supervision of qualified medical professionals, facilities have been established to provide treatment for sick monks. Additionally, a conducive environment has been created to accommodate five hundred monks for meditation practice.
The construction of the Gurudev Suva Arana Gilan Bhikshu Centre has been accomplished through the labour contributions of the Sri Lanka Army, supported by both local and international donors.
During the ceremony, homage was paid to the current Chief incumbent of Sri Dhathumaluwa Viharaya Kohuwala, Venerable Pitigala Sonuttara Nayaka Thero, for his national and religious service.
Furthermore, acknowledgment was extended to him for his dedication to establishing the Gurudev Suva Arana Gilan Bhikshu Centre, catering to monks both domestically and internationally.
Following the conferral of the Sri Sannath Patra honorary title, the President presented the vijinipata to him.
The President also bestowed a commemorative gift upon Venerable Neunghaeng, the head of the Buddhist hospital in Ulsan, South Korea, who generously provided the essential medical equipment for this monk hospital centre.
Additionally, a commemorative gift was presented to Mrs. Sandhya Kantilatha, who graciously donated the land for the construction of this Bhikshu Hospital.
