Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana said that nearly Rs. 100 million will be spent to develop temples across the country to mark Poson, and the funds have been allocated by the President.
He said that despite the economic crisis Rs. 3.1 million has been allocated to the Anuradhapura District Secretary. Although Rs. 25 million was given for the State Vesak festival earlier, only Rs. 5 million was given this time for the State Vesak Festival in the Puttalam district. The Secretary was speaking at a press conference at the Department of Government Information, Narahenpita on Friday. Vidanapathirana said that a five-year plan has already been put in place to direct children of all religions back to a religious education. He said that the theoretical part should be given priority while teaching Dhamma education in schools and the practical part should be given priority while teaching Dhamma education in Dhamma schools adding that the foundation has also been laid.
He said that a long-term program has been launched in consultation with the Ministry of Education and other institutions as advised by the Mahanayake Theras and other religious leaders.