Laws Alone Cannot Propel a Nation Forward, Says President

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had emphasized that a country cannot move forward solely through laws and regulations, and that the traditions of a country are a very important element.

He made these comments during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the 74th Upasampada Vinaya Karma ceremony of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya.

He pointed out that the tradition, which has been built upon the teachings of the Lord Buddha, has played a significant role in shaping Sri Lankan society, and that it is the responsibility of everyone to preserve and pass on the Buddhist tradition to future generations.

President Dissanayake had reminded of the historical significance of the Upasampada Vinaya Karma, a major ceremony in Buddhism, and stated that the cessation of ordained monks (Upasampada Bhikkhus) would mean the dissolution of the Buddhist institution itself. He had emphasized the importance of preserving these ancient traditions and carrying them forward with honour.

The Upasampada ordination ceremony of the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya is scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 5, 2025, at the Vijithapura, Palugaswewa Punyavardhanarama Vihara, with the ordination ceremony set to occur in the Udakukhepa Seema Malaka area. 

This grand ceremony, with over 250 novice monks participating in the ordination process, will be held under state patronage.

Since the 'Upasampada Vinaya Karma' ceremony is held biannually by the Sri Lanka Rāmañña Maha Nikāya and is regarded by the government as a prestigious event, the President had instructed the relevant officials to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided without any shortcomings for the event.