A conference of the Buddhist clergy was organized by the Sasanarakshaka Sangha Sabha in Colombo yesterday (27) with the aim of addressing what the organizers described as the harmful challenges currently facing the Buddha Sasana (doctrine) and to promote unity while contributing to the protection and advancement of the Sasana, the country, and its cultural and religious heritage. The organizers adopted a set of proposals addressing the various challenges currently affecting the Sasana which they intend to submit to the relevant authorities for consideration.

Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara pledged to work towards safeguarding and nurturing the Sasana while promoting national religious coexistence. He said that the pledge was made with the foremost objective of protecting the longevity of the Sasana, the historic Buddhist heritage, and the country’s national cultural identity.

He reaffirmed that Buddhism has been accorded the foremost place under the Constitution and stressed that protecting and fostering Buddhism is a mandatory constitutional duty of the Government. He said that this responsibility must be carried out while safeguarding the religious freedom and lawful rights guaranteed to followers of all religions.