New Constitution: New clause to safeguard Buddhism

9 July 2017 11:58 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Saturday he would come up with a new proposal shortly to include provisions in the Constitution that would prohibit Governments from interfering with internal matters of three main Buddhist Chapters.

The Prime Minister said this at the opening of the Weli Maluwa at Ruwan Weliseya in Anuradhapura over the weekend.

“I will come up with proposal to include a clause in the Constitution that the Government cannot get involved in deciding on the matters relating to the three Nikayas, followed by Sri Lankan Buddhists."

He added that Therawada Buddhism had suffered during the reign of King Mahasen, where the Maha Vihara in Anuradhapura was destroyed by the Vaithullayas, while killing some monks. The Vaithulayas were controlling Abhayagiriya and Jethawanarama temples at that time. It was these monks of Maha Vihara, who spread the Therawada Buddhism to several countries such as Laos and Thailand.

The Premier pointed out that after the division another generation of monks had to be brought down from Thailand and set up the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters. Later those who ruled this country decided to safeguard all the Chapters and made the Government bound by the Constitution to safeguard Buddhism.

“However, this tradition was broken by the rulers of this country around five years ago. The Mahanayake was threatened by them as he allowed one of their opponents to hold a Pooja at Dalada Maligawa. They threatened to divide the Malwatte Chapter and set up another Chapter.

“They went on to the extent of constructing a Stupa taller than Ruwan Weliseya in Anuradhapura, which is not possible as per the traditions, norms and beliefs. These rulers are bound by the tradition to tender an apology to the Mahanayake of Malwatte Chapter and to sweep the premises of Ruwan Weliseya and other sacred places of worship in repentance,” he added.

He said he would bring in a clause to the new Constitution under which government intervention in deciding on the composition of the three chapters would be prohibited. (Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 15

Leo Monday, 10 July 2017 07:47 AM

The main clause you should enter into your new story book is forbiding Monks from engaging in politics. If they want to do so get them to give up their robes. via DM Android App

The Undertaker Monday, 10 July 2017 07:56 AM

What is this big HA-HO about safe guarding Buddhism? Who is going to steal it from us. Any faith comes from the inner of your heart, So how come any one can steel or damage what comes from your heart.

ANTON Monday, 10 July 2017 08:40 AM

SIR ..... IS IT SOMETHING LIKE SEALING OF TEMPLE TILLS ?

Banda Monday, 10 July 2017 09:48 AM

Who and why want a new clause when there is already a one to protect Buddhism, the religion of 70% of the population?

Patriot Monday, 10 July 2017 10:04 AM

Why bring it in ?We already have it in present constitution.Please don't bring in any constitutions with out the belessings of Maha Sanga

cheers Monday, 10 July 2017 10:21 AM

Hondatama Bayawella Paw

Haris Monday, 10 July 2017 10:27 AM

We respect Maha Sanga, But it is not good for them to intervene into creating a new constitution! Then Why do we want a parliament???

IVJ Monday, 10 July 2017 11:22 AM

Election time................playing to the gallery! Unfortunately, our voters have short memory and hence why we are in this position!I personally feel that it is time that SL too do away with mainstream politics. Let's get a real businessman to run this country successfully!

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 10 July 2017 11:25 AM

The constituition of the country is not for religion, but to govern the country. Religion is personal and private and one needs to observe this accordingly.

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 10 July 2017 12:16 PM

Presently majority of the politicians are businessmen, that is why this country is sold and bankrupt.

Sincere Monday, 10 July 2017 02:01 PM

Why should politicians get involved in protecting Buddha Sasana?

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 10 July 2017 05:05 PM

Have u noticed 3-wheeler stands all having a Buddha Statue, but the 3-wheeler driver is an example of indiscipline, thuggery, abusive language, criminal, agents of prostitution, drugs

True Patriot Monday, 10 July 2017 05:59 PM

Do you want your name to go down in history as a thoughtful leade? Buddhism prevailed in this country without your silly clause, Buddhism will prevail for a long time without your meddling. Do something which is within your circle of influence, be thaughtful and make sure that outside powers don't meddle in our affaires.

RadRav Thursday, 13 July 2017 11:43 AM

Buddhism can't be protected by legislation. The security of Buddhism is the Dharma. If all the people who are yelling to protect Buddhism practiced it's principles we wouldn't have a problem.

Ranjan Fernando Monday, 07 August 2017 02:21 PM

If Buddhism managed to survive through three hundred years of colonial dominance why do you need any clauses in the constitution to protect it now? The only way Buddhism will be destroyed is by the priests getting involved in politics!

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New Constitution: New clause to safeguard Buddhism

Comments - 15

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