September 11-- A symposium on Buddhist jurisprudence, with particular reference to the concept of reconciliation, was held at the Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies on Monday.
Image Source: Daily News | Sri Lanka
Chief Justice Mohan Pieris and External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris made the main presentations. Senior members of the Maha Sangha were present. Examples drawn from the Buddhist Scriptures were cited and discussed as evidence of a rich body of doctrine embedded in the teachings of the Buddha on the subject.
Contrasting concepts and approaches of Western legal systems were identified and discussed.
President's Counsel Prasanthalal de Alwis and Manohara de Silva spoke at the event, while Judges of the Supreme Court, the Acting Attorney-General, senior members of the Attorney-General's Department, University of Colombo, Faculty of Law Dean and representatives of the business community, media and civil society were present.
Both the Chief Justice and the External Affairs Minister pointed out that knowledge derived from Western sources could not justifiably be looked upon as the sole repository of wisdom in this field.
A large number of members of the Maha Sangha, judges, lawyers, politicians and academics expressed their views. It was decided to continue the project and to apply its conclusions for a variety of practical purposes.
A section of the Maha Sangha and other officials at the symposium | Daily News | Sri Lanka
Among those who expressed opinions were, Dharmapala Vihara, Mt. Lavinia Chief Incumbent Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anunayaka Thera, Naga Vihara, Kotte Chief Incumbent Ven, Maaduluwawe Sobitha Thera, Gangarama Vihara, Hunupitiya Chief Incumbent Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, Jathika Hela Urumaya Ven. Athureliye Rathana Thera, MP, Amarapura Nikaya and Wajiraramaya, Colombo Chief Incumbent Ven. Thirikunamale Ananda Anunayake Thera, Sunethradevi Pirivena, Papiliyana, Chief Incumbent Ven. Medagoda Abayatissa Thera, Kotte Sangha Sabha Secretary Ven. Prof. Kotapitiya Rahula Thera and Asgiri Viharaya Committee Member Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thera.
Sambodhi Vihara Chief IncumbentVen. Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thera, Gangarama Vihara Secretary Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, Swijing Nikaya Secretary Ven. Buthpitiye Samitha Thera and Chief Incumbent of the Sri Vijayarama Viharaya Ven. Ahangama Ananda Thera also attended. Also contributing to the discussion were Prof. Harischandra Wijetunga, Jathika Hela Urumaya Provincial Councilor Udaya Gammanpila and President, Young Men's Buddhist Association Suren Abeygunesekara.