“There are no past experiences of a Minister in charge of the subject or a Secretary with a proper understanding about the subject like this, coming and conducting this kind of awareness programs…”
“As Buddhist Priests, we appreciate that dedication…”
– Maha Nayaka Theros of Amarapura and Ramangna Chapters say to the Prime Minister.
Maha Nayaka Theros of Amarapura Chapter and Ramangna Chapter said to the Prime Minister that as the new education reforms are not merely a change happening in the field of education but it can make a positive change in the entire country, it is a national responsibility of Buddhist priests to contribute for it.
A special discussion to make the Nayaka Theros of Amarapura and Ramanhna Chapters aware of new education reforms was held on 04th of August at the headquarters of Sri Lanka Ramangna Chapter with the participation of Prime Minister.
At this occasion the Prime Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa presented a broad explanation to the Nayaka Theros about the national importance of new education reforms, the plan of subjects, the way of doing assessments and the objectives of the reforms. The answers to the questions raised by the Theros at this occasion were explained while discussing them with the Priests.
About the specific responsibilities vesting on the institutions like the Ministry of Education, National Institute of Education, National Education Commission, The Department of Educational Publications and Sri Lanka Examinations Department in the process of implementing new education reforms and also about the better coordination among these institutions were also particularly discussed at this occasion.
The Maha Nayaka Theros pointed out the changes that should be done in the areas of Pirivena education, Dhamma school education and pre-school education and they emphasized the importance of providing more space for teaching the second language through the proposed reforms.
Furthermore, the Nayaka Theros of Maha Nikayas presented their blessings at this occasion saying that The Prime Minister as a Minister in charge of a ministry and the Secretary of the Ministry of Education as a Secretary of a ministry must be appreciated for these explanations done by them and for their dedication.
Representing Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Mahopadyaya Sahithyasuri Ganthune Assaji Maha Nayaka Thero of Amarapura Maha Nikaya in Maha Vihara tradition, Agga Maha Pandit Thrikunamalaye Ananda Maha Nayaka Thero of Amarapura Dharmarakshsitha Section, The Maha Lekhakadhikari of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha Darshanapathi Balapitiya Siriseewali Nayaka Thero, Adhikarana Sanghanayaka of Sri Lanka Ramangha Maha Nikaya Agra Maha Pandit Professor Aththangane Rathanapala Nayaka Thero, Anu Nayaka Thero of Ramangna Maha Nikaya Waleboda Gunasiri Nayaka Thero, Anu Nayaka Thero of Ramangna Maha Nikaya retired Deputy Director of Education Deewela Mahinda Nayaka Thero, Maha Lekhakadhikari of Ramangna Maha Nikaya Shasthrapathi Aththangane Sasanarathana Nayaka Thero including the Maha Nayaka Theros of the two chapters, the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senevirathna, Education Services Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education Kamal Ariyasena and a gathering participated in this occasion.
