– Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that Piriven education must be strengthened to ensure the revitalization of the Buddha Sasana in the face of challenges emerging from broader social transformation, and that reforms to Piriven education should be undertaken with a clear understanding that Piriven institutions and schools serve distinct purposes.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the National Piriven Day State Ceremony 2026, titled “Sasunata Diridena Surakimu Pirivena,” held yesterday (19) at the SIBA premises in Pallekele.
“Piriven Education Must Be Strengthened to Revitalize the Buddha Sasana in the Face of Challenges Arising from Broader Social Transformation”
The National Piriven Day State Ceremony was jointly organized by the Piriven Education Branch of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and the Central Provincial Council, under the guidance of Venerable Madovita Vajira Buddhi Thero, Director of the Piriven Education Division of the Ministry of Education. During the event, tributes were paid to members of the Maha Sangha in recognition of their dedicated service to Piriven education and the Buddha Sasana.
Addressing at the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“Piriven education must be strengthened to revitalize the Buddha Sasana in the face of challenges arising from broad social transformation. We must also recognize that Piriven institutions and schools are not the same, and reforms should be introduced accordingly.
In particular, the Maha Sangha must take the lead in shaping a system of Piriven education that can nurture a generation of monks capable of meeting the challenges of a complex and rapidly evolving modern world. I respectfully invite the Maha Sangha to come together and propose the reforms necessary to achieve the true objectives of Piriven education.
We are already engaged in discussions with the Piriven Education Division of the Ministry of Education on ways to further develop and strengthen Piriven education.
The event was attended by the Anunayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, members of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya and the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Central Province Governor Sarath Abeykoon, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, public representatives, government officials, Piriven teachers, and a large gathering of lay and ordained Piriven students.
Prime Minister’s Media Division
