News
Buddhist monks say open economic policies made them dependent on imported robes
PIndustries Minister Wimal Weerawansa inspecting imported robes during a meeting held at his ministry last Thursday. Anunanayake of the Kotte Chapter Prof. Ven. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera looks on.
Aleading Buddhist monks says the members of the Maha Sangha have to wear imported robes as local producers lack the wherewithal to cater to the demand for robes.
There were around 40,000 Buddhist monks in the country and their annual requirement of saffron robes was around 100,000 and the majority of them had to buy robes made abroad, the prelate told Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa, at a meeting, on Thursday.
Anunanayake of the Kotte Chapter Prof. Ven. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera said that for decades Salusala had been able to produce enough robes for the Sri Lankan bhikkhus. But following the introduction of the open market economic policies, the monks had become dependent on robes imported from countries such as Thailand due to a shortfall in the supply.
Rahula Thera said Thailand, Myanmar and Laos had developed their industries, and it was so unfortunate that Sri Lanka, despite being a leading Theravada Buddhist country could not have its own industry to produce the robes needed for its bhikkhus.
Minister Weerawansa instructed officials to recommence producing robes using standard raw materials so that the bhikkhus could wear Sri Lankan robes while the industry could thrive in creating further employment opportunities.
The prelate thanked the minister for his prompt action and said he hoped that the issue would be sorted out urgently so that both Sri Lankan monks and manufacturers would benefit.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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