Senior Buddhist Monk Questions Need for Sex Education in Sri Lanka

A senior Buddhist monk has questioned the necessity of introducing sex education in Sri Lanka, suggesting that past generations maintained stable family lives without such programs.

Professor Kotapitiye Rahula Thera made the comments on Thursday while addressing a Sangha convention in Colombo, which organizers said was convened to discuss what they see as growing threats to Buddhism, the Buddhist clergy, and the country’s cultural heritage.

“What is this so-called sex education?” the monk asked during his speech, expressing skepticism over proposals to introduce or expand sex education in schools.

He added that, historically, Sri Lankans managed successful marriages, raised large families, and upheld modesty and cultural values without formal instruction on the subject.

The convention, held under the patronage of Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda, brought together members of the Buddhist clergy to discuss social, religious, and cultural issues.