Mahanayake Thera displeased by questioning of Diyawadana Nilame

14 May 2015 06:00 pm - 48 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Asgiriya Mahanayake the Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thera today expressed displeasure over the manner in which the Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa, Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara was questioned by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).

The prelate expressed these views when President Maithripala Sirisena called on him today.

The Thera further said the questioning of the Diyawadana Nilame could have been done in a more appropriate manner without disrespecting Buddhism as a religion.

“Both Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters were shocked upon hearing of the summoning of the Diyawadana Nilame to the FCID. He should have been questioned privately and unnoticeably if he had done something wrong,” the Thera said.

The Diyawadana Nilame was questioned by the FCID on Tuesday over an alleged financial fraud at the Dalada Maligawa.

The Mahanayake Thera also said he looked forward to a change in the electoral system and, therefore, was studying the proposals in this respect.

Expressing his views when President Maithripala Sirisena called on him today, the Mahanayake Thera said he was studying the 20th Amendment to the Constitution that led to the introduction of a new electoral system and was happy with the new rather than the prevailing system. The prelate said that the prevailing system caused disputes even between family members. (Nadeeka Daya Bandara and J.A.L. Jayasinghe)

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Comments - 48

wana Friday, 15 May 2015 04:20 PM

Why is Mahanayke Thera displeased about alleged corruption at the Maligawa? Can he write to the media and explain why? So we can make an informed opinion.

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 15 May 2015 09:21 AM

Buddhism is a discipline and it gains respect only when we practice it against its code of ethics. From this single comment by the Mahanayake Thera, he has bought disrespect to the principles of true Buddhism that Lord Buddha preached.

Kingsley Wijesinhe Friday, 15 May 2015 09:35 AM

Is the Venerable Mahanayake suggesting that there should be one law for Managers of Buddhist institutions and one law for others?

CLIVE Friday, 15 May 2015 09:37 AM

Mahanayake thero has not said that questioning should not have been done. He has said clearly that the questing should have been done privately without giving unwanted publicity to it by the media. He has respected the law very clearly and not gone above the law. No where in the law it says that when these matters are investigated undue publicity should be given and harm the reputation of the people. It is disgraceful and unethical in the eyes of many people.

Samantha perera Friday, 15 May 2015 09:46 AM

Just because someone is questioned and charged it does not mean he/she is guilty. The crowing should take place after the guilt is proven. Until then the rights of the people should be respected without broadcasting the concocted allegations of the charge sheet.

Perumal Friday, 15 May 2015 09:56 AM

Taking possession and benefit of something that belongs to another without permission (may be the public) is breach of Seela and breach of criminal law of the country. And the investigations and hearings should be transparent.

Danushka Friday, 15 May 2015 10:03 AM

This Nilame has a lot of allegations, HE should have respected Buddhism to not get alegations

H.D.Gunaratne Friday, 15 May 2015 10:08 AM

Illan Kewa

ANTON Friday, 15 May 2015 10:30 AM

PUDANA KOTAMA KAAPI YAKAA.........

dilip Friday, 15 May 2015 03:19 PM

this Nilame buger has already done the damage to the religion

dulan Friday, 15 May 2015 03:26 PM

Can at least this Mahanayake focus on correcting the errant monks without advising politicians

upul Friday, 15 May 2015 03:53 PM

Perfect landing in the wrong airport.

mithra Friday, 15 May 2015 09:19 AM

Mahanayaka theras are influenced and misled by some. Usually they go for traditions oversee what wrong these people have done. They only consider the post.

Kiris Baba Amaray Friday, 15 May 2015 04:25 PM

Correct, Law is a common thing for a King or for a Slave. No-one could question over this.

Bubble Banda Friday, 15 May 2015 04:26 PM

Yes correct, no body can question, if he brought before the Justice.

Horri Jimonis Friday, 15 May 2015 04:29 PM

Robbers should not be protected by High Priest, then it is an insult for his position.

J Palitha Friday, 15 May 2015 04:31 PM

You are correct, there are somany cases against him. He should be punished.

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 15 May 2015 04:43 PM

The police department is a public office. The country has a free press who will anyway find out the news. Anyway, why should such news be blocked if it is a rightful happening?

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 15 May 2015 04:45 PM

Then it is the duty of all true Buddhists to stone them.

Bala Friday, 15 May 2015 05:13 PM

Instead of this problem, The Ven. Mahanayake should focus on student monks jumping over gates at UGC and older priests lying across roads and BBS spreading hatred - all against the Noble Doctrine. He is silent on these issues. Easy to criticise but difficult to do what is essential.

sonny Friday, 15 May 2015 05:34 PM

Culprits must be brought before justice. They will never accept what they have robbed, in friendly discussions.

Upaasaka Friday, 15 May 2015 07:44 PM

Ane hamuruwane, Maligawe dewal horakam karanaeka obawahanse anumatha karanawada?

ranjith Saturday, 16 May 2015 02:43 AM

Looks like not aware of illegal involvements of this person

Premalal Saturday, 16 May 2015 07:32 AM

It is more like a crash landing in the right airport.

Deca Friday, 15 May 2015 08:03 AM

Is this how the Most Venerable Mahanayakas want this country to be govern. So Sad........

Ram Friday, 15 May 2015 05:02 AM

I am also a Buddhist. The Venerable Mahanayaka Theras must understand that the legal system is no respecter of persons and all are equal before the law.

Lion Friday, 15 May 2015 05:13 AM

Every one is equal in law and there wont be different law to apply for diyawadana nilame,

Dee Friday, 15 May 2015 06:22 AM

A wrong deed will be a wrong deed. Irrespective of who does it.

Push Friday, 15 May 2015 06:28 AM

In fairness, I too think these investigations should have been done with no publicity. Once found guilty only they should go with media shows.

MilkyWayyWay Friday, 15 May 2015 06:30 AM

Good to do, bad to expose. What type of doctrine is that. We as citizens want to all what these rogues were up to. Sorry!

REALPATRIAT Friday, 15 May 2015 06:48 AM

THE LAW IS EQUAL TO ALL. THEREFORE NOEXCEPTION SHOULD BE SHOWN TO ANYONE WHAT EVER POSITION HE OR SHE IS IN THE SOCIETY. via DM Android App

sobers Friday, 15 May 2015 07:34 AM

No one is above law. Without any political differences, we should understand the law and judiciary are now free of influence. Religion, Politics, Positions, wealth etc... are not above law. "IT IS NOW OR NEVER"

Miyuru Friday, 15 May 2015 07:36 AM

The error lies in having elected a wrong person. The post of DN must be held by a person who will commands the respect for his qualities. It should not be won by money or political patronage.

Nihal Gunatilake Friday, 15 May 2015 07:37 AM

Hi- Ape Hamuduruwane - Can you remember the former Head Priest Mapitigama Buddharakhita and Thalduwa Somarama were questioned in an open court. One was hanged and the other sent to jail. Both were in Saffron Robes. Who is Dela when compare to M Buddharakhitha? Nobody is above the law. Think before you Leap. - Nihal Gunatilake

DillonDP Friday, 15 May 2015 07:40 AM

The typical culture of Lankans do everything under the sun but show a good face--- seriously first you saying to do inquiy in private itself is a insult to Buddhism ---- rembere that you dont represent Buddhism . Buddhism represents you ...

rohana Friday, 15 May 2015 07:49 AM

mahanayaka are the biggest obstacle for yahapalanaya

Ranjitdea Friday, 15 May 2015 04:06 AM

No one is above the law, he should have earned respect and not demand

sss Friday, 15 May 2015 08:09 AM

One disrespect Buddhism when he or she steal

Bala Friday, 15 May 2015 08:14 AM

People in high positions irrespective of whether they are in religious or political organisations, should conduct themselves leaving no room for questions.

Bala Friday, 15 May 2015 08:15 AM

Governance and Law should not be mixed with religion. They are in their own universes.

Milkyway Friday, 15 May 2015 08:27 AM

It is up to the monk to keep his "dayakaya" in check. The whole idea of the Buddhist philosophy breakdown with such irresponsible statements.

Thomas Ranger Friday, 15 May 2015 08:32 AM

Let the system work. The next piece of news may say monks have taken to the streets of Kandy in protest.

Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 15 May 2015 08:33 AM

As the custodian of Sri Dalada Maligawa, the most venerated by the Buddhists all over, DN should be above be above board.

Man Friday, 15 May 2015 08:35 AM

Even the Lord Buddha had been democratic since he had asked the followers not to swallow anything what he had preached without understanding the logic even after questioning the Lord Buddha, over and over again, until he had comprehended the issue which had been in question for the devotee. So the noble Buddhism must not be degraded, at any cost.

Narada Friday, 15 May 2015 08:44 AM

Everyone is not equal. Otherwise Duminda Silva should be in the remand for at least one day via DM Android App

Prometheus Friday, 15 May 2015 09:02 AM

Most venarable thero, how was Buddhism disrespected as a religion? "Diyawadana Nilame" has nothing to do with Buddhism and its teachings. "Diyawadana Nilame" is merely a Sinhala-Buddhists cultural/historical entity. I do not see the connection. Plus, no one is above the law.

indika Friday, 15 May 2015 09:05 AM

Those. Who are commenting first shoud understand what ven thero is saying. He is not opposed questionning but the the unduepublicity and media show. If found guilty any one can have media show.

Manel Friday, 15 May 2015 09:11 AM

If Nilame had any respect for his position and for the tooth relic he should have objected to holding night car races in Kandy with liquor sales by MARA and his clan despite requests by Mahanayaka Theros. So FCID did the correct thing and Bhuddist prelates should not forget the tyranny of MARA and family.

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Mahanayake Thera displeased by questioning of Diyawadana Nilame

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