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Calling for military rule is contrary to Buddhism - PM

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24 June 2018 08:31 pm - 11     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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If someone called for a Hitler type military rule in this country in my presence I would have condemned it right there as it is against Buddhism, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said over the weekend.

The Prime Minister said this at a ceremony held to mark the 125th anniversary of Maha Manthinda Priviena in Matara on Saturday.

He was referring to a recent statement made by Anunayake of Asgiriya Chapter Venerable Wendaruwe Upali Thera.

“If someone called for a dictatorship in my presence I would have opposed it right there. This is because it is a statement against the teachings of Buddha. Media would have criticized me heavily if I made such a statement. They would have got others to issue statements about it. The story about this statement was published only in one newspaper but electronic media gave it wide publicity. Newspapers have missed the story. I did not see even an editorial about it. What would happen to media if such a military rule comes to power?” the Prime Minister said.

“Sri Lanka is a civilized country; we have earned the respect of the world because of our Buddhist heritage. We have been able to maintain democracy in this country because of Buddhism,” the Prime Minister added.

“Germans were interested in Buddhism in the 19th Century and there were several organizations which promote Buddhism in Germany. However, they were closed down by Hitler when he came to power. Those who were following Buddhism and other religions in Germany during that time were jailed. I cannot understand how dictatorship and Buddhism could coexist. Everyone should have the freedom of expression but no one has the right to call for dictatorship,” he also said.

The Prime Minister said what Buddha thought was to consult, confer and disperse peacefully and to respect ideologies expressed by all people. “Buddha never thought anyone to become dictators and never endorsed killing people and forceful disappearances. Therefore he thought us to respect democracy,” he said

“Government is running the country according to the teachings in Buddhism and if Buddhism faces any danger, government won’t hesitate to take action against such a move,” he stressed.

Mr. Wickremesinghe also revealed that the government is looking towards amending ‘Privena Education Bill’. He said advice of most Venerable Maha Nayaka Theras will be sought for this purpose. Mr. Wickremesinghe said monks should be trained in languages so that they can go all over the world and preach Buddhism.

Maha Nayaka of Kalyana Samagri Dharma Maha Sanga Sabha Venerable Ittepane Dhammalankara Thera who also participated in the event, endorsed the government’s decision to amend the Priven Education Bill’. “Prime minister sought my advise on amending the Privena Education Bill’ and I think it is essential,” the Thera said. (Yohan Perera and Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)


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  Comments - 11

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  • Patriot Sunday, 24 June 2018 08:57 PM

    PM, sad you do not have the sufficient intelligence to understand what the monk said. Monk says do the right thing, even if it is the wrong way.

    surasena Sunday, 24 June 2018 10:29 PM

    Hitler's way never to be the right way.

    Ganesh Monday, 25 June 2018 08:41 AM

    Monk must have been told to speak like that. There are illiterate morons the form of monks for their easy life without warning to eat

    Machan Monday, 25 June 2018 08:49 AM

    I think the issue here is the law abiding public feels there is no rule at all. So they are yearning for some kind of rule to discipline the country and take it forward . The reaction of the monk should be taken in that context. Not just taking one word out of that statement.

    Observer Monday, 25 June 2018 09:09 AM

    How on earth can you do the right thing in the wrong way???

    Ravi Monday, 25 June 2018 06:55 AM

    How about robbing the government coffers and lying and robbing the general public? Would that be ok with Buddhism?

    Kumar Monday, 25 June 2018 07:13 AM

    If the military over take over Srilanka for any reason say "good bye" to united Srilanka. If anyone in the military such ambitions forget it. It will be like handing over "Elam" to the LTTE on a plate.

    Nobee Monday, 25 June 2018 08:41 AM

    Ranil changed his religion to enter to the Politics, same as how Barak Hussain Obama changed his religion to contest US Presidential contest

    Harini Monday, 25 June 2018 09:10 AM

    So is mass theft and amassing wealth.

    rohanbey Monday, 25 June 2018 09:17 AM

    I think the Anunayake has forgotten the Buddhist concept of governance. Dasa-Raja-Dhamma: The ‘Ten Royal Virtues’ preched by Lord Buddha does not advocate "Hitler" style governance. PM is right and I don't think "Gota" is stupid enough to accept what is uttered by the Anunayake.

    Punchi putha Monday, 25 June 2018 09:30 AM

    It is a sin to steal as per Buddhism but Yahapalanaya politicos took money from Alloy, indirectly stealing money from public. Over to you RW


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