President Maithripala Sirisena states that a wide array of programmes will be conducted from next year to promote Buddhism in the country. The aim of the initiative is to make Sri Lanka the center of Therawadi Buddhism. The president was speaking at a religious programme held at the Polwatta Sri Agga-Ramaya of Ambalangoda yesterday afternoon. The religious programme was organized to present the scroll to venerable Nin-daane Vajiragnana Thera who was appointed to the Anunayake position of Kalyani Wansa Chapter of Amarapura Nikaya. He further said that a Buddhist clergy equipped with Dhamma knowledge and discipline is essential further current context.

The president explained that Buddhism is the only philosophy that helps to heal the society that is deteriorated in line with the propagation of consumerism. The international Wesak festival will be held in Sri Lanka next year. The president said that a large number of Buddhist leaders all over the world will be invited to the festival. The newly elevated Vajiragnana Thera is the chief incumbent of Polwatta Sri Agga-Ramaya, Kobeithuduwa Sri Paschimaramaya and Dorala Poorwaramaya.