July 01, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing a major Buddhist religious event in Galnewa, stressed the urgent need for Sri Lankan society to reorient itself toward discipline, integrity, and collective ethical responsibility.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 74th Upasampadā ceremony of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, the President called for renewed reflection on the nation’s moral direction in the face of growing materialism and the misuse of political power.
He warned that a society increasingly driven by wealth and influence has neglected foundational values rooted in compassion, restraint, and social harmony. In this context, he highlighted the role of the Buddhist clergy—particularly the Maha Sangha—in helping to re-establish moral clarity and guide communities back toward more principled ways of living.
The Upasampadā ceremony, considered one of the most sacred rites in Theravāda monastic tradition, is being held from June 30 to July 08 at the Sri Vidyadhara Maha Pirivena in Kalawewa. Approximately 400 novice monks are expected to receive higher ordination during the event, which takes place at the Udakukkepa Seema Malaka, located along the Kala Oya river.
The ritual, led by the Mahanayaka Thera of the Ramanna Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera, continues a lineage of disciplined religious practice tracing back to 1864.
During his speech, President Dissanayake remarked that the nation, once attuned to teachings of compassion and non-violence, must now contend with the social fallout of having drifted from those values. He urged the public to understand that spiritual achievement and social virtue must accompany material success, and that this transformation cannot be delayed further.
On the subject of political manipulation, the President criticised the opportunistic use of nationalism by certain factions to regain political ground. He pointed out that the damage inflicted by such rhetoric has been borne not by politicians, but by ordinary citizens—especially the youth from all regions and communities. While affirming the right to political expression and democratic participation, he made it clear that divisive nationalist narratives would not be tolerated under his administration. If necessary, laws would be amended to confront such challenges more effectively.
In a wider call for reconciliation, the President reiterated his commitment to fostering unity among all communities—Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim—through inclusive governance and policy reform.
Turning to current religious administrative concerns, the President acknowledged ongoing discussions regarding amendments to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance. He said that any changes would only proceed following broad consensus among senior monastic leadership. Proposals related to Sections 42 and 43 have already been submitted to the Minister of Buddhasasana and are currently being examined by the Legal Draftsman’s Department.
The occasion also saw the presentation of several scholarly publications, including the ‘Sasuna’ Upasampadā edition, the ‘Patipada’ compilation, and a commemorative volume titled ‘Pride of Heritage.’ President Dissanayake also awarded honorary titles and traditional fans (Vijinipatha) to several monks in recognition of their contributions to the preservation and global promotion of the Dhamma.
The event drew a large and distinguished gathering of Buddhist clergy and regional organisers. Among those in attendance were the judicial and administrative leaders of the Ramanna Maha Nikaya and a host of senior monks representing various provinces and chapters.
