Pride of place for Buddhism a Constitutional responsibility of Government – President

• Speaking against it is a violation of the Constitution
• The territorial integrity of the country will be safeguarded
• My utmost respects to the Maha Sangha who are supporting the programme of action of the Government
• These events are possible because President ended the era of queues – Chief Incumbent of Dehiwala Dhatumalu Vihara Ven. Pitigala Sonuttara Thera
• Although many hospitals have dedicated wards for monks, this is the only Bhikku hospital – Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana

President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday (1) participated in the inauguration ceremony of the “Gurudev Suva Arana Gilan Bhikshu Centre” constructed in Kiriwatthuduwa, Homagama.

In his remarks, President Wickremesinghe stated,

“This marks the establishment of the first dedicated hospital for monks in Sri Lanka. While our country’s hospitals have traditionally accommodated monk wards, this facility is distinctively reserved solely for the care of sick monks. The Government extends its gratitude to all contributors, particularly the efforts led by Bhikkuni Neunghaeng of South Korea.

I wish to emphasise that we have sought ongoing support from the Ministry of Health-Indigenous Medicine section, to sustain this endeavour, and I assure you that such assistance will be forthcoming. The Government is also committed to providing resources for the continued development and enhancement of this hospital.

Moreover, situated in a stunning natural setting, it is imperative that we prioritise the protection of this environment as we progress with this project.

An argument has emerged advocating for the separation of Government and Buddhism. However, considering the Legal framework, every citizen in our country has the right to practice the religion of his/her choice, or to hold no religious beliefs at all.

Moreover, our Constitution mandates that any Government should accord priority to Buddhism. This responsibility is not solely vested in the Government, but extends to the State as a whole. Therefore, the support of all three branches of the State—the Executive led by the President, Parliament led by the Speaker and the Judiciary led by the Chief Justice, is essential to uphold this principle.

Failure to provide this support goes against the Constitution. As Members of Parliament, we have all taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, and it is incumbent upon us to adhere to its principles. Despite the conflicts experienced in our country, such a request has never before been raised or discussed.

It is essential to recognise that the three branches of Government, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary should prioritise the Buddhist doctrine within our Nation. While debates may arise regarding the specifics of implementation, the fundamental principle remains indisputable. As a Government, it is imperative that we adhere to it. If there is a desire to amend this principle, it must be done through Constitutional amendments.

The Constitution of our country underscores three fundamental principles: people’s Sovereignty, prioritising Buddhism and maintaining Territorial Integrity. It is imperative that we uphold these principles as the basis for our actions. Any opposition to these principles is deemed a violation of the Constitution.

At present, our ‘hospital’ is caring for numerous patients, and I have been entrusted with the responsibility of treating one particular ‘patient’. We are making gradual progress in treating this critically ill individual, engaging in ongoing discussions to ensure the best possible outcome. Healing a patient is not an instantaneous process; it requires time and dedication. It is estimated that it will take another three to four years to fully treat this ‘patient’. However, we are grateful for the opportunity to undertake this important work. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ven. Maha Sangha for their invaluable support in this endeavour.”

Chief Incumbent of Sri Dhathumaluwa Viharaya Kohuwala, Ven. Pitigala Sonuttara Nayaka Thera,

“There was a time of profound difficulty in our country, characterised by long queues and numerous challenges. However, since assuming leadership, the President has guided our nation to the position we are in today. This is an undeniable reality that all must acknowledge. It is his efforts that have afforded us the opportunity to convene for this religious ceremony today. A fact we are deeply appreciative of and will always remember with gratitude. Despite the demanding nature of his current responsibilities, the President’s participation in this endeavour is sincerely appreciated and acknowledged.”

Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana,

“Throughout history, there exists a record of special hospitals being established in ancient times to cater to the needs of the Maha Sangha Ratnaya, who devoted themselves to safeguarding and upholding the Buddha Order in our country. Following independence, various Governments have allocated separate wards for monks, within both local and foreign hospitals. While three Ayurvedic hospitals and numerous local Western hospitals have accommodated monk wards, the recent history of our country has not witnessed the construction of a dedicated hospital for monks.

In light of this, Chief Iincumbent of Sri Dhathumaluwa Viharaya Kohuwala Ven. Pitigala Sonuttara Nayaka Thera, has made a significant sacrifice amid numerous challenges, to realise this noble endeavour. With the assistance of the Army and contributions from local and international donors, this admirable act of charity has been made possible.

Upon explaining the purpose of this initiative to the President, he instructed us to extend the fullest support, recognising it as a Constitutional responsibility, to nurture and preserve Buddhism in accordance with the Constitution of our country.”

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Mahanayaka Aggamaha Panditha Ven. Makulewe Wimalabhidhana Nayaka of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Vijitasiri Nayaka Thera of the Malwathu Vihara Sect of the Maha Viharavanshika Shyamopali Maha Nikaya, Rajakeeya Panditha Galapitiyagama Wimaladhamma Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of Nikaweratiya Samadarapitiya Sri Palitha Vidyatana Piriven Viharaya of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Rajakeeya Pandita Matale Dhamma Kusala Nayaka Thera, Deputy Incumbent of Mattakkuliya Sri Wickramadhapati Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Anunayaka Dr. Valegoda Gunasiri Nayaka Thera of Thalangama Mayurapada Piriven Maha Viharaya, Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Judicial Sanghanayaka Aggamaha Pandit Professor Most Ven. Attangane Ratanapala Nayaka Thera, Iincumbent of Tambuttegama Samadhi Buddhist Centre Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Deputy Incumbent of Udarata Amarapura Nikaya, Most Ven. Nikapota Chandajoti Nayaka Thera, Mahanayake Aggamaha Pandita Most Ven. Thirikunamale Ananda Thera, Bambalapitiya Sri Vajiraramadhipati Sri Lanka Amarapura Dharmarakshita Mahanayake Thera and the Maha Sangha, led by Anunayake Thera.

Among the distinguished attendees were also local politicians, including State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Sisira Jayakody, foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Army Commander Lt Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela of Sri Dalada Maligawa, a Buddhist delegation from South Korea and local and foreign devotees.

The Bhikku Hospital and a ward

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