May 22, Colombo (LNW): At a ceremony held at the historic Temple Trees premises, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed the government’s dedication to preserving the country’s religious and cultural legacy, underscoring the importance of bridging tradition with modern innovation.
The event, which took place under the auspices of the Buddha Sravaka Caring Centre of Padukka, saw the distribution of digital tablets containing electronic versions of the Tripitaka, alongside printed editions of the sacred Buddhist texts. Sixty university-level Bhikkhus received these offerings, in an initiative led by Venerable Kurupita Dhammananda Thera.
In her address to the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted the significance of embracing digital tools to uphold and disseminate spiritual teachings. “We are living in a time of rapid technological change, which can threaten the continuity of time-honoured traditions. Yet, initiatives such as this show how the very tools of modernity can serve to preserve the profound wisdom of the Dhamma,” she stated.
She noted that the Tripitaka is more than a repository of scripture—it serves as the moral and philosophical bedrock of Buddhist practice. Making these teachings more accessible to the younger generation of monastics, she argued, not only enriches their education but also nurtures continuity within the monastic tradition.
“The transmission of the Dhamma across generations is crucial. When young monks gain convenient access to these texts, they are empowered to deeply engage with the teachings, which ultimately reinforces the spiritual fabric of our society,” the Prime Minister added.
Emphasising her government’s ongoing commitment, Amarasuriya affirmed that projects which strengthen spiritual and ethical well-being remain a key focus of national policy. She praised the Buddha Sravaka Caring Centre for its compassionate work, particularly in caring for elderly and ailing members of the monastic community.
“The spirit of service embodied by this organisation is exemplary,” she said. “It reflects the values we hold dear as a nation—compassion, respect, and collective responsibility.”
The ceremony drew participation from members of the Maha Sangha and devotees not only from Sri Lanka but also from Malaysia and Thailand. Notable among the attendees were Venerable Kutawatte Saranankara from Malaysia and Venerable Kadahingala Dhammarakkhita Thera, who joined other respected clergy in blessing the proceedings.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose among attendees, marking a significant step forward in harmonising heritage with the digital age.
