Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said it should be compulsory for Buddhists in the country to visit a temple at least once a week, as per a report in Colombopage. 

Rajapaksa, who enjoys considerable supports from the majority Buddhists Sinhalese, said, “As Buddhists, we should make it compulsory to go to temples one day a week or at least for Poya.” 
The comment came while he was unveiling the Pinnacle of the 60 feet high Golden Fenced Chaitya at the Madampe Galmuruwa Sri Sunandarama Pirivena in Puttalam. 

Pushing for religious education for children, he said, “We must ensure that our young children do not go astray by getting them participated in religious activities. If not, there will be a great catastrophe.”

Sending Buddhist children to Dhamma schools should also be made compulsory, he added. 

Rajapaksa maintains regular contacts and even consults  with top Buddhist monks of the country. The government had recently discussed the UNHRC resolution, among other issues of national and international importance, with Maha Sangha, the top body of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka. 

The temple is the center of the village, he said, adding it is our responsibility to give the people of the village the opportunity to work with the temple and get them used to a virtuous life. 

“There are people of different races and religions in this area. The collective friendship in your area is an example to the world,” he said.