The 8th State Central Working Committee of Sangha held the first day of its second meeting at Maha Pasana Cave in the precinct of Kaba Aye Pagoda in Yangon yesterday.

Led by the senior Buddhist monks, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko, his deputy minister and officials attended the meeting.

Bhamo Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Kumara Bhivamsa presided over the meeting, and delivered an opening remark.

The Sayadaw explained the duties of State Sangha Maha Nayaka for purification and propagation of Sasana, while monitoring the activities of Sangha committees at State/Region and township levels to ensure observing monistic disciplines in religious affairs and education sector.

He also admonished the members of Sangha to promote practicing the monastic rules among Sangha community for perpetuation of Sasana.

He concluded his speech to avoid disputes and foster unity among the members of Sangha.

Then, Union Minister Thura U Aung Ko presented religious affairs, saying the crucial role of senior monks who know well about the disciplinary rules in settling disputes.

He also appraised systematic management of Sangha committees at various levels in holding religious exams across the country.

The Union Minister finally explained accommodation and healthcare services for the monks who are attending the meeting, and wished for the health of monks and propagation of Buddha Sasana.

The meeting also took records on the demise of highly respected monks in the past 12 months, and enlisted the newly elected ones for substitutions.

Annual reports on the activities of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee were also read out by the respective monks during the first day meeting.

 MNA

(Translated by Aung Khin)

Ref:The Global New Light of Myanmar

Photo: MNA