Korean Buddhist group to build a hospital for SL monks

Tuesday, 22 March 2016 01:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A Korean Buddhist group visiting Sri Lanka has expressed their willingness to build a hospital for Buddhist monks in the country when they met Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena Sunday.

Head of South Korea’s Ulshan Vaadey Bhikku Hospitals, Venerable Bhikkuni Nong Hang and the Korean Buddhist delegation called on the President at his official residence on Sunday.

During the meeting, the South Korean delegation has said that they hope to build a hospital at Kiriwathuduwa in Piliyandala. The hospital, fully-equipped with modern facilities, will have 34 rooms.

President Maithripala Sirisena said that this marks the longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and Korea.

Bhikkuni Nong Hang said that they were fortunate to worship the sacred Tooth Relic and other Buddhist places of worship during their tour. Sacred Relics were offered to Ulshan Vaadey Temple during the meeting.

Chief incumbent of Sri Lankaramaya in Korea, Venerable Katuwana Vijithawansa Thera, Venerable Pitigala Suwanethara Thera, Deputy Minister Dushmantha Mithrapala and a distinguished group of people were present at the meeting.

A fund to uplift Pirivena education

President Maithripala Sirisena said that he will take steps to establish a fund to uplift Pirivena education and the temples.

He made these remarks while participating at a ceremony to declare open the Bhikku Hostel and Dana Shalawa at the Doranagoda Sri Sumanthindaramaya, last week.

The President visited the Sri Sumanthindaramaya temple at the invitation of the Ven. Rabukwelle Devananda Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Sumanthindaramaya temple and Sambodhi Viharaya in Berlin. The President engaged in religious observances at the temple.

Subsequent to engaging in religious observances, President Sirisena declared open the Dana Shalawa.

Expressing his views the President said that from ancient times the Maha Sangha gave advice and guidance to the rulers of this country, not only in state affairs but also in social and religious services.

The President pointed out that even people living in developed countries are showing interest in studying Buddhist philosophy and it is the responsibility and duty of all of us to protect and nourish Bhikkus in our village, who take prime responsibility to heal this society through Buddhist philosophy. The President further expressing his views regarding the post of Director (Pirivena) said that he had proposed a name of a Professor Bhikkhu to the Education Minister after consulting the Maha Sangha of the Tri Nikayas and said that in the near future that position will be filled.