The main responsibility of the Buddhist Think Tank is to provide intellectual support in decision making pertaining to governance of the country.
The importance of utilizing the Buddhist philosophy in governing the state was discussed in detail during the meeting.
The President expressed his gratitude for the Maha Sangha for participating in this event and emphasized the importance of establishing such a Buddhist Think Tank in the present political context.
Expressing his views regarding the ‘Bhikkhu Kathikawatha’ dialogue presented to the Parliament, he said that it is only a proposal and it should be passed in the Parliament after making the necessary changes in it. He further said that the government will not take steps to pass it as an Emergency Act, but to adopt it with the blessings of the Maha Sangha.
“The ability of Buddhist philosophy to influence issues in the fields of environment, social and cultural is very comprehensive,“ the President said that adding that the issues should be studied thoroughly to utilize them to find practical solutions to issues.
The Maha Sangha participated at the meeting expressed their ideas and proposals. They said that the attention of the President should immediately be drawn to the issues relating to the Piriven education in the country as there is an alarming deterioration in the system.
The President pledged to provide every possible assistance to uplift the field of Piriven education across the country and said that he has already made the necessary arrangements to provide physical resources needed for the Piriven in the Polonnaruwa District.
The Maha Sangha including the Venerable Vice Chancellor of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Prof. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thero, Chief Priest of the Vidyodaya Pirivena, Ven. Dr. Akuratiye Nanda Thera, Ven Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Medhankara Nayaka Thera, Ven. Prof. Agalakada Sirisumana Thero, Ven. Prof. Vijithapura Wimalaratna Thera, Secretary, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Mr. Wasantha Ekanayake and the Coordinating Secretary of President, Mr. Shiral Lakthilaka participated in the meeting.
