The Religious Affairs Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa retires as rector of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University (ITBMU) in line with official rules and regulations, said Aung San Win, Director of the Department of Religious Affairs.

“We have a plan to release an announcement. It is according to a frame of law. The official retiring age is 60. The next five years are one-year extension to another. It is in line with the rules. The Sayadaw retires in accord with the rules and regulations,” said Director Aung San Win.

The social networks are stating the rector and the pro rector of the ITBMU were forced to retire by the minister of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The ministry is planning to respond to these rumours.

Regarding the spread of rumours, the registrar office of the ITBMU was rung up for questioning and an official replied on November 13 that he did not know how to spread the rumours, the official letter had not come us yet. Therefore, it was not possible to say the rector Sayadaw retired, but it was right that the pro rector Sayadaw retired on October 20.

Ashin Nandamāla was born on 22nd March 1940 at the village of Nyaung-bin in Sint-ku, Mandalay, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. He entered Sasana circle since childhood and he has turned 80 years.

Ashin Nandamāla serves as a religious worker to promote and propagate the Buddha’s teaching, both in Myanmar and abroad. Since 2003 he yearly gives Abhidhamma-courses in Europe.

He served as the rector for ITBMU, Sītagū International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) and Abhidhamma University. He also served as the patron Sayadaw of Mahāsubodhayon monastery.

Translated and Edited by Win Htut