January 23, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored the critical role that traditions play in the development of a nation, emphasising that a country cannot solely progress through laws and regulations.
During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, President Dissanayake discussed the upcoming 74th Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya, where he highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual significance of such events.
The President reflected on how the teachings of the Lord Buddha have profoundly influenced the social fabric of Sri Lanka, shaping its values and guiding its moral compass.
He stressed that it is the shared responsibility of all citizens to protect and preserve the Buddhist traditions, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations.
In this context, he remarked that tradition is not just a historical artefact but a living, evolving force that continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s identity and unity.
Addressing the significance of the Upasampada Vinaya Karma, a revered Buddhist ordination ceremony, President Dissanayake reminded attendees of the ceremony’s historical importance.
He noted that the ordination of monks, known as Upasampada Bhikkhus, is essential for the survival and vitality of the Buddhist institution in Sri Lanka.
The cessation of this ordination would, according to the President, signal the end of the Buddhist monastic tradition in the country, making it crucial to uphold and celebrate these ancient practices with the utmost respect.
The Upasampada ordination ceremony, set to take place from 30 June to 5 July 2025, will be held at the Vijithapura, Palugaswewa Punyavardhanarama Vihara, with the ordination itself taking place in the Udakukhepa Seema Malaka area.
Over 250 novice monks are expected to participate in the ordination process, which will be conducted under state patronage, marking it as a significant national event.
The biannual Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony, organised by the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya, is viewed as a highly prestigious event by the government, drawing attention not only for its spiritual and religious importance but also for its cultural heritage.
In light of its significance, President Dissanayake has instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made, with every effort being put into providing the required facilities and support for the successful execution of the ceremony.
By emphasising the importance of tradition and its role in shaping the nation, Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the cultural and spiritual legacy of Sri Lanka, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
