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Merged Chapters call for sangha court
View(s):A historic agreement merging the Amarapura and Ramanna Chapters was signed at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on Friday. The two chapters will hereafter be known as a single entity: “Sri Lanka Amarapura Ramanna Saamagri Maha Sangha Sabha.”
The prelates signing the merger agreement. Pic by Amila Gamage
The agreement was signed by the Amarapura Chapter Mahanayake, the Ven. Kotugoda Dhammavasa Thera, and the Ramanna Chapter Mahanayaka, the Ven. Napana Pemasiri Thera. The two prelates will hereafter function as Joint Chairpersons of the new Sangha Sabha.
The agreement marks a turning point in the history of the Buddha Sasana in the country. It was reached after years of talks. Both the Amarapura and Ramanna Chapters descend from Bhikkhus who were ordained in Burma (Myanmar). The Amarapura Chapter was established in 1803 and the Ramanna Chapter in 1863.
Six major aims were cited as the reasons for the merger. These included the need to take decisions jointly regarding issues affecting the Buddha Sasana and the country, building a disciplined Sangha society and providing guidance to young learned Buddhist monks to face social challenges.
Addressing the gathering, the Ven. Kotugoda Dhammavasa Thera said there was no reason why the two Chapters should remain separate as they were started by the pupils of the same monk. He also asked the Government to expedite the establishment of a sangha court. “We have submitted the recommendations, but for reasons we are unaware of, nothing has happened so far. That is our first request after this merger.”
The prelate also said some 10-15 percent of young monks had been “misled.” Accordingly a sangha court and the adoption of the two “Kathikawatha” for Bhikkhus were essential to ensure this situation was rectified, he added.
The Ven. Napana Pemasiri Mahanayake Thera said the occasion was one of great satisfaction for him and added that both monks and laymen who participated to ensure the merger of the chapters had obtained merit beyond measure.