austraLasia #2216


Saffron Robes and White Cassocks: Sri Lankan Salesians donate hostel to Buddhist monks

COLOMBO: 4th August 2008 -- A brilliant example of Christian charity came to life with the donation of a Sangwasaya (hostel) by the Salesians of Don Bosco for novice monks of the Buddha Sasana studying at Sri Gnanissara Pirivena (education centre) at the Sri Priyadharshanaramaya Temple in a remote village in Sri lanka's north central province.
    The handing over ceremony of the hostel occurred on Sunday 27th July.  Fr Anthony Pinto, Superior of the Sri Lankan Vice Province declared the new hostel open.  The cost of the Sanwasaya was borne by the Salesians of Sri Lanka, adding a golden page to the record of services extended by the Congregation to the Buddha Sasana.
    Religious dignitaries, politicians and lay people present witnessed a rare occasion of inter-religious dialogue and practical charity. "This offering", Fr Pinto said, "is not something purely personal but a donation from my Congregation. We are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the presence of our Congregation in Sri Lanka. This is one way of extending our fraternal love towards the other religions. Converting the Buddhists does not motivate us but we are keen to see that they live a better life as Buddhists".
    Accepting the offer of the Sangawasa, the incumbent Monk of the temple, Ven. Udadeniye Wimalagnana Thero, said that he was very grateful to the Salesians who had responded so positively to his request. He said that after assuming duties in 1998 as chief monk of the temple, he initiated the Pirivena in 2004 to provide education to the 15 novices but could not get the centre registered, as there was no proper hostel and toilets.  His attempts to gain support locally had failed. Ven. Thero explained that he had been introduced to Fr Pinto by another monk. "I told Fr Pinto about my need and invited him to 'come and see' the temple. He visited the temple and saw the situation in which the novice monks live, and promised to provide a good hostel with facilities. Fr Pinto kept his word. He not only sent bricks and mortar but also got a group of Tamil Hindu students to lay the foundations for the future hostel".
    Another monk, the Ven. Kongodamulle Gnanasiri Thero Viharadhipathi, said that Fr Pinto's spirit of service to the Buddha Sasana was manifested from the time of his priestly formation days. Ven. Thero observed that although the donation of the hostel was something new to the area, Catholic priests have been helping Buddhists in other parts of the country. "We both, the Saffron robe and the White cassock, have worked together against evils in our areas. We have shown that we could do marvels by getting together".
    The Nation Building Minister and the former Chief Minister of the North Central Province were both loud in their praise for an event which they claimed was historic, a sign of religious unity, and a 'noble act'. "Sri Lanka belongs to all and all can adhere to the religions and faith of their choice. The State respects freedom of worship and this is guaranteed by our Constitution. Catholic clergy and the Salesians of Don Bosco have set an example for us to follow. We are grateful for their outstanding contribution", the former Chief Minister said.
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Title: australasia 2216
Subject and key words: S. Asia Sri Lanka
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2216