Historic report to be re-launched

Fifty years ago, a report of a committee appointed by the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress created a significant impact in the political, cultural and social history of Sri Lanka. It was Buddha Jayanthi year. The report outlined the grievances of Buddhists and set out a series of measures to elevate the position of Buddhism in the country. It argued that Buddhism had been neglected under colonial rule and post-independence governments had done little to rectify the damage done.

Now, in the 2550th Jayanthi year, the report, which had been out of print for many years has been reprinted and is to be formally presented to the Maha Nayaka Theras of the three Nikayas and the Buddhist public at a gathering to be held at Ananda College on Tuesday, October 3. Leading Buddhist organisations including the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress, Colombo YMBA, Sasana Sevaka Samitiya, Dharmavijaya Foundation and Old Anandians Association are planning to make the event a noteworthy one to encourage Buddhists to take stock of their position and inspire them to work towards achieving their goals.

It was on a pledge given by the President of the Congress, Professor Gunapala Malalasekera at the annual sessions held in Kegalle on December 27, 1952 that the committee consisting of well-known Buddhist personalities was appointed. The committee comprised Ven Ambanwelle Sri Siddahatha Anu Nayaka Thera of the Malwatta Chapter, Ven Halyale Sumanatissa Thera - Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter, Pandita Palannoruwe Wimaladhamma Nayaka Thera - Deputy head of the Vidyodaya Pirivena, Balangoda Ananda Maitriya Nayaka Thera - Head of Sri Dharmananda Pirivena, Pandita Sri Gnanaloka Thera - Deputy head of Balagalle Saraswathie Pirivena, Ven Dr Kotahene Pannakitti Thera of the Vidyalankara Pirivena, Madihe Pannasiha Maha Nayaka Thera, Professor G. P. Malalasekera, P. de S. Kularatne, D. C. Wijewardena, Professor Tennekoon Vimalananda and C. D. S. Siriwardena. T. U. de Silva and M. D. S. Abeyratne were the joint secretaries.The committee obtained the views of the public through a questionnaire with 71 questions. The committee also held public sittings throughout the country. The report was released on February 4, 1956 at a meeting held at Ananda College.

A week after the report was released, Parliament was dissolved and a general election was fixed for April 1956. A document titled 'Ten Commandments' including a pledge to implement the recommendations of the committee, was presented to the major political parties. Only the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna led by the leader of the SLFP, S. W. R. D. Bandarakanie accepted the 'Ten Commandments'. The result was a landslide victory for him. As Prime Minister, he took the initiative in appointing a Buddha Sasana Commission (March 4, 1957) to make recommendations based on the committee report. The Commission submitted its report to the Governor-General on June 4,1959 but with the assassination of the Prime Minister, its implementation was stalled.

Tuesday's meeting is looked upon as a major initiative in assessing the position of the Buddhists after 50 years since the Buddha Jayanthi and to impress on the need to at least build up a society based on the Five Precepts. It will also be a symbol of recognition of the immense service by the learned monks and the laymen in preparing such an extensive report The attractively printed new edition is a Visidunu publication.