KANDY – The conduct of some young Buddhist monks in universities was pathetic, Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Mahanayake Thera of Asgiriya said on Saturday (06).

The Mahanayake Thera made those remarks at the launch of an English Teaching Programme for young monks of the Asgiriya Maha Pirivena.

The Nayake Thera said a recent incident at the Supreme Court involving some members of the Sangha had been due to their failure to show due respect for the Supreme Court, the highest institution dispensing justice.

The clergy and all law abiding citizens must respect the traditions of the judiciary, Ven. Buddharakkitha Thera said.

The monks present in the Court-house should have stood up when the

judges entered in keeping with the established tradition, the Mahanayake Thera said.

The prelate said that some segments of society faulted the Mahanayake Theras as they did not make statements in favour of the monks concerned.

But, he said, the Mahanayake Theras could not support those monks because they were wrong.

What the people expected of the Sangha was discipline as well as spiritual guidance.

Ven. Daranagama Kusala Dhamma, Chief Incumbent Sambodhi Vihara, Ven. Narampana Ananda, Principal, Asgiriya Maha Viharaya Pirivena, Home Affairs and Public Administration Minister Dehsamanya Karu Jayasuriya and Dr. Kapila Gunawardana also spoke.

Deputy Minister of Land and Land Development Chandrasiri Sooriyaarachchci, Principal of Gateway College, Kandy, Asoka Herath and Anunayake Thera of Asgiriya Ven. Galagama Sri Attadassi were also present.