Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the Government to re-establish a Cabinet Ministry for Buddha Sasana and a State Ministry to represent other religions, underscoring the importance of protecting and strengthening religious harmony in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the Katina Pinkama of the historic Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya, Premadasa stated that the Constitution — the supreme law of the nation — grants the highest recognition to the safeguarding and fostering of Buddhism, and therefore, maintaining a dedicated ministry for Buddha Sasana should not be viewed as a matter of embarrassment.
He recalled that his late father, former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, had fulfilled his national duty by establishing both the Ministry and Fund for Buddhist Affairs to preserve and strengthen the Buddha Sasana.
“The Buddha Sasana today faces numerous challenges and external pressures from various forces. Certain extremist groups are distorting the Dhamma taught by the Buddha. Therefore, the need for a Cabinet Ministry dedicated to Buddhist Affairs is strongly felt across the country,” Premadasa said.
He further emphasised that all Buddhists must focus their efforts on uplifting and ensuring the continuity of the Buddha Sasana, while accusing the current government of failing to take adequate measures to safeguard it.
