Scholar stresses value of Buddhism

by Ananda Kannangara

Ven. Agalakada Sirisumana Thera is the Head of the Sinhala Department in the Arts Faculty of the University of Colombo and also a visiting lecturer on Sinhala Language and Buddhism. Born at Agalakada in Akuressa, Matara, the Ven. Thera entered the Sasana at the age of 13. The Thera was interviewed by the Sunday Observer last week, a few hours before he left for Abu Dhabi in UAE to conduct a series of Vesak Dhamma sermons for the benefit of Sri Lankan migrant workers.

The low level of propagation of Buddhism by many Sri Lankan diplomats for Buddhist expatriates in their respective countries cannot be commended, Ven. Agalakada Sirisumana Thera in an interview with Sunday Observer said.

The Ven. Thera said there are over 1.4 million Sri Lankan expatriates especially in the Gulf region and it is unfortunate to see the low contribution made by Lankan diplomats’ towards the development of religious activities to attract the Buddhists in their respective countries.

“At least, during Vesak and Poson seasons these diplomats should visit temples and engage in religious activities to encourage Buddhist devotees to get involved in regular Dhamma sermons, Sil campaigns, meditations and Bodhi Poojas.”

The Ven. Thera also paid a glowing tribute to the late Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadiragamar for his contribution towards the propagation of Buddhism in foreign countries.

“The late Minister, not being a Buddhist had a great respect for Buddhism and made a proposal at the United Nations (UNO) on the value of Buddha’s teachings and how it brought peace to mankind”.

The Ven. Thera said these remarks helped all UNO member countries to declare `Vesak’ as an `International Day’.“Although the day was not declared as a public holiday in foreign countries, it is significantly observed by Buddhists all over the world even today due to the tireless efforts of the late Minister.”

The Ven. Thera also spoke about private tuition classes conducted by some tutors on Poya Days, especially on Vesak and Poson holidays and said that conducting tuition classes was prohibited during the tenure of the former Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara.

The Thera said that the ban lasted only a short period as the authorities failed to take stern action against the tutors and therefore insisted the Buddha Sasana Ministry on the ban in order to make the younger generation to get involved in religious and social service activities during poya days.

He also admired the Government decision on closing down liquor shops during the Vesak week and non-exhibiting of films. A ban on screening films on TV channels too should follow as many TV channels are still in the habit of telecasting unsuitable films on Vesak Day and urged the authorities to strictly insist on this.

“The ban on consuming liquor during the Vesak season must be appreciated and it also must be prohibited even at star class hotels at least on Vesak Day.”Speaking on the holiday period granted for the Vesak festival, the Ven. Thera said two-day holidays is sufficient to celebrate the festival.

“But, more religious activities should be conducted under the State patronage during the Vesak Week islandwide,” he stressed.

“If not some people will misuse this period for unwanted propaganda to raise funds.

But, if religious programs and events are conducted under State patronage the nature of fund-raising campaigns could be stopped.

The Ven. Thera also said granting State patronage to conduct Dhamma sermons, meditation campaigns, Bodhi Poojas and similar religious programs during the Vesak Week will be very effective to create a peaceful and religious society.

The Ven. Thera, urged the relevant authorities to conduct more spiritual programs to clear the mind of the youth.

He said the educational activities of several Dhamma Schools in the country must be upgraded under State patronage, since many of them are not conducted properly due to lack of funds.

Therefore, I believe that helping such Dhamma schools is necessary to create a better society. The Thera also thanked the Government in its gesture towards the free distribution of Dhamma books to children and also uniform materials to children and teachers.

The Thera also urged the Education Department to grant extra marks for those who pass the Dharmacharya Examination when selecting them for University education.

He said Dhamma Schools must pay more attention in teachings history, Jathaka stories and other related religious books and not other subjects that are not taught in schools.

When asked about Buddhist Monks being involved in political activities and representing Parliament, Ven. Sirisumana Thera said Buddhist Monks entering the country’s highest legislature is no harm, if they really do a yeoman service to uplift Buddhism and cultivate Buddhist ethics among the people.

Quoting an example, the Thera said Kings Dutugemunu and Dhatusena directed their Ministers to follow the correct path on how to rule the country and uplift society.