Public Administration in Ancient India c22.20

c22.20

In Ceylon, Buddhism took a firmer root than in India, and remained a sort of State Religion until recent years. Many of the Kings of Ceylon claimed the headship of the Church. Devānampiya Tissa, under whom Buddhism was spread throughout the island, assumed the power to regulate the affairs of the Church. Another King, Kassapa IV., took upon himself the duty of purifying the religion and enforcing discipline among the priests by the expulsion of immoral men and the appointment of new priests in the vacant places.¹ King Parākrama Bāhu introduced unity in the offices of the church.² He also held a great trial of the priests, and unfrocked those who were found guilty of unworthy conduct. Nissamka Malla also introduced many reforms in the church organisation.³