President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the profound connection between Buddhism and the modern scientific and technological world, highlighting that the teachings of Buddha offer insights to win future global challenges.
The President said that he is discussing the establishment of a new institution in the country where Buddhist philosophy including the Thripitaka can be studied, the history, civilization and the spread of Buddhism in the world and where knowledge of Pali, culture and other languages can be developed. He also expressed that its objective is to revive the legacy of the Anuradhapura Maha Vihara.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks during his participation in the Amarapura Day celebration of The Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, held at the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Auditorium today (08).
The Amarapura Maha Nikaya was founded in 1802 through the dedicated efforts of Venerable Welitara Mahakarave Gnanavimalatissa Thero. Amarapura Maha Nikaya has been led by eminent figures such as Most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Thero, Most Venerable Agga Maha Panditha Balangoda Ananda Maithri Maha Nayaka Thero, Most Venerable Dawuldena Gnanissara Maha Nayaka Thero, Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thero and Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandasiri Mahanayaka Thero.
The Amarapura Day commemorated the 222-year legacy of the founders who dedicated themselves to the Sambuddha Sasana. The event was organized by the Sabaragamuwa Amarapura Samagri Sangha Sabha.
Acting Chairman of Amarapura Maha Nikaya Most Venerable Mahodhyapadha Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthy Maha Nayaka Thero presided over the ceremony. All 22 Mahanayaka Theros representing the Amarapura Maha Nikaya were in attendance, and the president paid homage to their esteemed presence.
In recognition of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s efforts for the improvement of the country and the support of all factions within the Amarapura Nikaya, a commemorative gift was presented to him.
Furthermore, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Governor Navin Dissanayake was bestowed with the honorary title of ‘Janahithakami Sasanabandhu’ by Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthy Maha Nayaka Thero, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha.
Addressing the gathering President Ranil Wickremesinghe further elaborated;
Since its inception, the Amarapura Maha Nikaya has maintained a tradition of honouring its founding leaders.
Amarapura Nikaya holds a significant place in the history of modern Sri Lanka, originating under the leadership of Venerable Welitara Mahakarave Gnanavimalatissa Thero. In the 20th century, amidst a Buddhist revival and the Sinhala movement’s strength, the Amarapura Maha Nikaya played a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s social fabric, contributing to religious, political, and societal discourse. The contributions of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya are therefore regarded as profoundly momentous, shaping the historical narrative of the nation.
In today’s world, dominated by scientific and technological advancements, we are witnessing unprecedented changes.
With a significant global focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is imperative for us to also concentrate on this field. Over the next 5-10 years, we need to explore the intersection between AI technology and the human mind. To initiate this exploration, I have directed the Ministry of Technology to launch a government-funded research program on the relationship between Buddhism and AI technology. We aim to engage the Maha Sangha and the general public in discussions to advance this initiative.
Today, as a society, we must progress without hesitation. The Anuradhapura era stands out as a pinnacle in our history. It was during this era that major temples like Mahavihara, Jethavanarama, and Abhayagiriya were established. These temples served as centres of learning where Lay clergy received their education from piriven. This educational system empowered our people with the knowledge to undertake monumental undertakings such as Mahasaya, Jethavanarama, and Abhayagiriya. Additionally, our impressive irrigation culture, admired even by today’s engineers and grand creations like Sigiriya owe their existence to the piriven education system.
As a country, our advancement hinges on integrating modern knowledge and these achievements. Currently, global attention is sharply focused on environmental issues and climate change. The teachings of Buddha offer essential wisdom for addressing these challenges, emphasizing environmental stewardship from the childhood.
Today, the innovative ideas circulating globally find resonance in Buddha’s teachings. We stand at a crossroads where science and dharma intersect. As a government, our priority lies in exploring the correlation between Buddha’s teachings, as documented in the Thripitaka, and contemporary scientific insights. This endeavour demands collective effort; it cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires the participation of all citizens to propel this initiative forward.
We are currently in discussions with Durham University in the United Kingdom to undertake excavation work at the great temple. Professor Cunningham, known for his excavation work at Mahamaya Devi Temple in Lumbini, has been involved in these discussions. Our aim is to conduct thorough excavation at the great temple, a project that may span 20-25 years, ensuring our history is preserved for future generations.
Additionally, the Director-General of UNESCO is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week. During her visit, I plan to request UNESCO’s assistance regarding mining activities across the entire city of Anuradhapura. According to one of our Professors, this undertaking could require up to 50 years to complete. It is worth noting that Egypt, having been excavated for over a century, still has on-going excavation projects.
We also intend to establish a new institution dedicated to continuing the legacy of Anuradhapura Maha Vihara. This institution will offer opportunities to study Buddhist philosophy, including the Thripitaka, with a focus not limited to Theravada Buddhism. It will encompass the exploration of diverse dharmic traditions, including Mahayana Buddhism, and research into ancient sects such as Āḷāra, Kālāma, Uddaka Rāmaputta, prevalent during the Buddha’s time.
Emphasis will be placed on studying philosophy, history, civilization, and the global spread of Buddhism.
Furthermore, the institution will prioritize the study of languages relevant to Buddhist philosophy, including Pali, cultural languages, and Chinese. It will also foster understanding of contemporary world religions. Discussions are currently underway for the establishment of this institution within the coming year. Recognizing the profound connection between Buddhism and the modern technological world, we aim to progress by embracing and understanding this intersection.
Acting Chairman of Amarapura Maha Nikaya Most Venerable Mahodhyapadha Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthy Maha Nayaka Thero;
During this occasion, we extend our respects to the former secretary of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha, the Most Venerable Welitara Gnanawimalatissa Na Thero, and other key leaders.
The religious contributions made by the Amarapura Sangha Sabha to our country have been immense and deserve recognition. We express our gratitude to the Trinikayika Mahanayaka Theros and other venerable theros who have graced this event.
It is crucial to address issues among laypeople, including those who undermine the integrity of the noble dharma. Legal measures should be considered to address these concerns. Initiatives must be launched to make temples central to village life and to enhance Dhamma school education.
Maha Sangha led by Galpoththawela Sri Pada Raja Maha Vihara Chief Incumbent, Sri Padasthanadhipathi Venerable Bengamuwe Sri Dhammadinna Nayaka Thero, Sabaragamuwa Amarapura Samagri District Maha Sangha Sabha Registrar Venerable Delwala Muditha Nayaka Thero, Rajakeeya Panditha, Dharshanapathi Balapitiye Siri Seewali Nayaka Thero, Venerable Diviyagala Vijithaseeha Thero, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Former Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Chief Secretary Mahinda Sanath Weerasooriya, Ratnapura District Secretary Wasantha Gunarathne were also present at the event.
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