Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered formulation of a procedure to prevent distortion of Buddhist scripts and granted financial help to Daham Paasals, the religious schools in the country.
Rajapaksa instructed officials after discussion with the members of working committee
of the All Ceylon Sasanarakshaka Balamandalaya here yesterday.
The Bhikkhus stressed the need to formulate a system to stop the distortion of Buddhist scripts and publication of the distorted books and literature.
Buddhist Sinhalese comprise over 70 per cent of Sri Lanka's 20 million population and the clergy enjoys a prime position in society of the island nation. Political leaders traditionally seek blessings and advice of Buddhist priests.
The working committee expressed their thanks to the President as the Cabinet has approved appointing Daham Paasal teachers to teach Buddhism in Government schools.
Rajapaksa also paid attention to the need of new building for Daham Paasalas and other facilities. He also instructed officials to provide financial allocations for this, state-owned Daily News reported today.
The prelates also stressed the importance of including history in school curriculum, it said.
Sri Lanka Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge and several Buddhist monks were also present on the occasion.