More bhikkhus needed for temples

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

The Chief Advisor of Dhamma Schools in Kurunegala district Ven. K. Dharmaratana Nayaka Thera at a meeting of Dhamma School teachers said that Buddhist parents must offer their beloved sons to be ordained as nearly 900 temples in remote areas islandwide are on the verge of closure due to the lack of adequate monks.

During the period of 2011 and 2012, approximately, 1,100 young monks have said goodbye to the monkhood. During the year 2013 upto now 349 young and educated monks are reported to have left temples.

This plight has to be remedied as Buddhists in our country would be affected a lot in the future. At present, about 39,000 Buddhist monks are dwelling at temples and monasteries.

All pious Buddhists, lay scholars, parents and philanthropists should extend their support to increase the number of novice monks in our country and young Buddhist monks should be educated and enlightened on the sanctity of monkhood by the higher authorities. The erudite senior prelates are responsible to safeguard the noblest Buddhism in our motherland", said Ven. K. Dhammaratana Nayaka Thera.