Insurance scheme for bhikkhus

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

The Ministry of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs has decided to implement an insurance scheme for the welfare of bhikkhus Accordingly, compensations would be offered to bhikkhus in the event of sudden deaths, accidents and fatal illnesses.

Prime Minister and the Minister of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs D.M. Jayaratne has directed his Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana M.K.B. Dissanayake to formulate programs that would lead to a re-awakening in Buddhist activities islandwide to create a very righteous, harmonious and peaceful atmosphere throughout the country.

This insurance scheme would be launched specially for the benefit of bhikkhus who presently dwell in remote temples.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana M.K.B. Dissanayake said that Rs. 6.5 million is spent annually for the maintenance of novice monks.

In addition, Rs. ten million is spent annually to translate the "Tripitaka" Buddhist prose into simple Sinhala language.