The Registrar of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya and the patron of the National Bhikku Front Ven. (Prof.) Attangane Rathanapala Thera who continues to intervene in social reconstruction had the following to share when interviewed
by media.
QEven though a torrential rain was expected with the establishment of the good governance it had been just a drizzle, the civil society claimed taking a swipe at the government. But the president maintains that it was a welcome shower. Are you in agreement with this?
Civil society was expecting a swift change from the chaotic situation that was existent. Specially with the increase of vice, the society was also expecting a quick change, where suitability would be the criterion for selection instead of favouritism. From what is taking place now it appears that a just society is not getting established. It does not appear to be doing things for the benefit of the majority. It is more partial in outlook. During the past 60 years after obtaining freedom it is only a change of parties coming into power. The UNP or the SLFP coming into power did not care for the people at large but most of the time they were satisfying the needs of their party men. What we see even now is the repetition of this scenario.
QNow the government is made up of two parties. Do you mean to say that this national government too had failed?
Working together for a common national policy is in order. There is no question about it. But in the absence of any national policies in our country it is each one’s policies that are carried out. There is nothing wrong in two parties working together, but when there is a conflict of interest due to different agendas of politicians there is some flaw which is evident presently.
QThe main thrust of catching fraudsters is also reduced only to a slogan now. Those who were accused are now finding fault with the government. They now level charges against the government. Has the government honoured the pledge made to the people?
There is a bigger issue with the government’s delay in not bringing the fraudsters before courts, people begin to wonder whether the government is protecting the wrongdoers with the aim of continuing such frauds by themselves. In short, people are forced to label them as wrongdoers exploiting the resources.
QThere had been a massive burden dumped on the people by this budget. However, the Govt maintains that they brought a budget that would not be a burden on the future generations. Can the people bear this?
Still our country has not ridden itself from the culture of some enjoying life’s fortunes while others languish. It is difficult for people to bear up. There is no sign of relief to the common masses. As people have no hope of seeing the realized fairy tale dreams they are undergoing severe difficulties. A small reduction had been made on a few items while heavy taxes were levied on others. Ordinary people view these as gimmicks to deceive them.
QWhile the people are being burdened with these taxes, the ministers and MPs are to be paid increased salaries and other perks. Do you consider those who have the spoons in their hands serving themselves is unjustifiable?
The leaders who demand the people to fasten their belts, do not live by example. They are preaching of a national economy and a world economy in the process. Involving in self gratification on a large scale is a shame. This grave injustice is visible to everyone.
QDespite the Govt claims the right to impose severe penalties to avoid accidents on the roads, the private bus workers’ unions launched an island wide strike. What is your opinion on strict laws and the response of the trade unions?
There should be laws and regulations in a country for administration and if and when these laws are not implemented a great social destruction could take place. The laws should be equal to everyone. For example, the number of vehicles accompanying MPs and ministers. When only one vehicle is needed, they are in the habit of using seven or eight vehicles and see the colossal amount of public funds they waste! People are beginning to think that there are two different laws. One for the affluent and the other for the ordinary man. If the rulers lead exemplary life styles, it would be not necessary for additional Bana preaching.
QWith the launch of the doctors’ strike, the public were greatly inconvenienced. Don’t you think the intellectuals/professionals should think twice before taking such trade union actions?
This issue has two sides. It is in order to create some impact on the government on trade union issues. That is their professional right, but, at the expense of patients, a struggle to win a salary demand is not justifiable. What we see now is a showy trend. Everywhere there are strikes to be organized by various groups. Some of these actions may be attempts to grab power. The justifiability of these actions could be observed from the people’s reaction towards these so- called trade union struggles. We do not see people approving these actions.
QThe Govt’s pruning of the amount allocated towards education was criticized by the intellectuals. As a person, who had associated with the education sector for a long time, what are your views on this matter?
This government has no national policy on education. Any government should think of education and health as very vital. However, it appears now both these sectors are crippled. Recently we witnessed a schoolboy being assaulted in front of his school in the presence of fellow schoolboys and elders. Discipline in schools is fast deteriorating.
Now when appointing principals, a political criterion is used and the suitable persons become overlooked. The entire education system had been politicized. The President says a solution to the social and economic break downs are found in the Theravadi Buddhist culture is eagerly working to provide a broad patronage to the next State festival of Wesak. Many are of the view that State patronage is not sufficient. There is a subtle move to insult Buddhism in the country. The govt should step forward to suppress such moves. The Buddhist monk is portrayed as a racist or a religious fanatic, which is causing much damage to the image of monks.
The government should establish religious reconciliation in the same manner that they attempt to establish national reconciliation. Some of the statements made by certain monks are detrimental to the entire Sangha as well as to the Dhamma.
Instead of turning the festival of Wesak into an exhibition, a programme should be put in place on changing the attitudes of the people.
However much the teachings of Buddhism propagate national equality and religious equality, those in authority fail to project them.
The Buddhist concepts of which are beneficial to the social development have to be elevated, in contrast to the outwards manifestation of the religion.
At least to have a discussion on how best the teachings of Buddhism could be used towards finding a solution to the present ethnic conflict should have been organized.
QWhen there is so much concern about Buddhist priesthood from the Sangha society, is there any programme of action to take necessary steps regarding this matter?
The attempts made in the past 50 years to give legality to Buddhist conventions, now appears to have been flowed out. In other words, it was a deliberate attempt to suppress it despite the acceptance of the Maha Nayaka. The Maha Nayaka said let the Buddhist Temporalities Act remain as it was. What the government did was attaching the legalizing of the Sanghadhikarana Convention Act to it and putting it to the dustbin. This was a serious act of the government. If the government did not commit that mistake, it would have assisted in the handling of the serious situation prevalent in the Sangha society. If charges are levelled saying that the monks are doing everything other than following the path, the government should take the responsibility. As there is no Bhikku education, there is no place for them to study the Tripitakaya. This is a tragedy. This leads to Bhikkus studying History, Geography and other similar subjects and divert from their main path of study. Govt may point a finger at the Maha Nayakas , but they alone cannot do it without the support of the govt.
QIn establishing this government groups; led by the late Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera and the Sangha society was a tremendous task. Has the govt lost that Sangha society backing and the approval now?
The dictatorial type rule was changed with the Sangha taking the lead. There was much self sacrifice by them. However it now appears that the government had failed in living up to the expectations of the Sangha, the civil society and other groups. In creating this Yahapalanaya, it is time that changes are effected immediately. Yahapalanaya or the Good Governance is something that should be achieved, but now even the word Yahapalanaya had been subjected to ridicule. Wimal Weerawansa met the Malwathu Maha Nayaka and was cautioned about making certain remarks about the new Constitution. In spite of that, the former President is now going round saying that the country would be divided by the new Constitution. Without seeing it, you cannot say that the country would be divided. The people of this country would never allow that to happen. It is necessary to make amendments to promote unity among the communities. Having a discussion with the scholars and professionals and drafting a Constitution that is more fitting to the country, should not be a problem.
QThose who were in the former regime are now engaged in political activities under the name of Joint Opposition, and there is a new party being formed under the symbol ‘Bud.’ How do their reactions affect the political situation of the country?
It is natural for the formation of new parties and organizations under the present set up. During the time when various types of issues surfaced these groups emerged under different names. Their existence depend on peoples understanding. They begin to think that these groups consist of the same people, and begin to compare their past performances. People would begin to wonder who are the people who are genuinely interested in solving the issues, and who have proved it by their actions. People should think intelligently. Just because a group who had destroyed the country’s economy and its ethics are now coming forward wearing a mask would not deter them from deciding whether to elect them to power or not.
QCertain political scholars keep asking whether this govt has a firm commitment in solving the national issue. Do you think the govt is sincerely dedicated towards this issue?
A government should not act in giving a portion to the Tamils and another to the Sinhalese. If they act in a justifiable manner in treating all citizens alike, there would not be any issue. But politicians do not act in that manner as by creating divisions they had found it is easy to administer. All communities should be treated alike and administration powers should be given all communities. There is no solution for this issue other than that.
QThere was a social understanding that in the similar manner the JVP was allowed to commemorate their April and November heroes. The opportunity should be made available for the people of the North to commemorate the kith and kin who lost their lives during the war. How do you assess this situation?
My personal view is that everyone should be given the freedom to commemorate their loved ones. There should not be any legal impediments for it. Their rights to commemorate their own kith and kin should not be subjected to any regulations. There had been no obstructions in this country for that type of activity. King Dutu Gemunu, after constructing the memorial of the slain King Elahara, displayed a glowing example, which needs no elaboration.
Courtesy Deshaya
