One of the main responsibilities of the Buddhists of the day is to safeguard Maha Vihara Theravada Buddhism from distortion and other damages. If we train ourselves to live and look at problems according to Dhamma we would be able to lead happier lives in a world with less problems and propagate Theravada Buddhism in many more countries of the world, so said the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at a meeting at Nalandaramaya Temple, Nugegoda when he opened a new Dhamma Shala complex.
Wickremesinghe said, "Maha vihara Theravada Buddhism disseminated from Maha Viharaya, is considered the first ever most popular religion of the South East Asia. Countries such as Burma, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia readily embraced Mahavihara Theravada Buddhism when they realized the value of its teachings.
"For twenty-three long centuries Sri Lanka played a major role in safeguarding Buddhism against many catastrophes and propagating it in many countries. As citizens of a country with such a history we should resolve today to enhance our efforts to safeguard Buddhism and strengthen the Buddha Shasana, he said.
(http://www.island.lk/2004/09/16/news12.html)
