Legislation to protect a religion not practical - President
[August 05, 2004 - 10.45 GMT]

“Buddhism teaches us the importance of helping one another and discarding religious differences. Legislation to prevent conversions is not realistic the President observed, she said Buddhists should endeavour to protect Buddhism. A link between the village temple and the people of that village helps revive morals and religious values” said the President Kumaratunga when she thanked the donors who had contributed to promote the ‘Punya Grama’ programme. This programme was initiated by the President three months ago to inculcate values and morals among the youth.

An ambulance and sixty wheel chairs donated by Japan’s Kawasaki and Bandarawela Rotary Clubs were ceremonially handed over to the President today. These donations are for the use of the needy in outback villages.

President also distributed eight Emerald Buddha statues to be enshrined in some selected village temples. These statues are replicas of the famous Emerald Buddha Statue of Bangkok’s Golden Temple, and were donated by the Chief Abbot of the Thai Temple.

The President’s Fund granted a sum of Rs. 4.4 million for 22 Buddhist temples for village development under the ‘Punya Grama’ programme. Houses are also to be built for some deserving village folk in blocks of crown land released by the Land Reclamation Commission.

Many donors and organizations have pledged their support to the ‘Punya Grama’ program which was launched in last May under the Human Disaster Management Council of the President’s Office. The program is centered round the village temple which will ensure youth participation and provide them t vocational training.
 

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Last Updated Date: August 5, 2004  - 10.45 GMT.