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Kotte Sangha Sabha writes firm letter to President

29 June 2017 11:50 am - 28     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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In a strongly worded lengthy letter to the President, the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Sangha Sabha opposed moves by certain political leaders and extremist organizations to criticize monks without a reason in a manner never seen in the history of the country, insult institutions of the Sangha and acquire property belonging to the Sasana.

The letter was handed over to President Maithripala Sirisena after a delegation comprising the Mahanayake of the Sangha Sabha Ven. Dr. Ittapene Dhammalankara thera and Anuanayakes Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalaratana thera and Ven. Dr. Kotapitiye Rahula thera held discussions with the President on Wednesday (28).

The Sangha Sabha especially rejected in strong terms, ‘false’ statements made by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga regarding the Sri Lankan Buddhist identity. “We feel these actions are aimed at fulfilling individual aspirations and does not contribute to the welfare of the wider society,” the statement said.

“It can be seen that some are engaged in a process to brand Buddhists as extremists who are sowing hatred among other religious communities. They are also engaged in condemning the 2500 year old Sri Lankan Buddhist culture. Therefore the Monks and the Buddhists of Sri Lanka are faced with a pathetic situation today regarding the protection of their culture that was safeguarded for thousands of years. We express our displeasure to the government for not probing and stating the truth about the statistics and statements on the wrongs that are perceived to have been done by the Buddhists of the country against other religions.

“We do not agree with alternate proposals and unnecessary discussions regarding the position bestowed in the constitution on Buddhism and the unitary state concept where all communities are living together in accordance with a Sri Lankan culture. Therefore the Sangha Sabha has put forward a set of proposals for the government regarding the present problematic situation. The Sangha Sabha proposes to establish a commission of acceptable learned persons who are devoid of extremist views to look into these matters. “ 


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  Comments - 28

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  • Mokan Thursday, 29 June 2017 06:28 PM

    The only way SL can improve is to ban all the releigions

    Nelum Pushpasiri Saturday, 01 July 2017 08:03 AM

    Oba wahanselata Godak pin. Rata Agadayen Beraganna Perata Wadamaweema weema gana.

    ibadun Friday, 30 June 2017 08:42 AM

    Newton's third law in action .

    AS Friday, 30 June 2017 08:26 AM

    Its so sad to see that as a nation we don't try to understand the core issue. if someone destroy historical places, temples in more organize manner and also convert poor Buddhists by giving money to their religions, carrying out harmful false propagandas against Buddhists, what do you expect Buddhist monks to do?

    J.DEVAPRIYA Friday, 30 June 2017 07:53 AM

    COULDN'T AGREE MORE. DURING OUR CHILDHOOD, WE SAW SERENE MONKS UNHURRIEDLY WALKING WITH THEIR HEADS BOWED, SHOWING COMPASSION TO ALL THEY MEET BUT NOW, SOME ARE ARROGANT, SOME ARE UNRULY AND VIOLENT AT TIMES AND NO TOLERANCE FOR OTHERS VIEWS. BUT THIS MINORITY ACTING LIKE MOB MARAUDERS IS RUINING THE BUDDHIST IMAGE. AS YOU SAY, BEFORE WRITING TO THE GOVERNMENT, THEY SHOULD DISCIPLINE THE MISBEHAVING PRIESTS ACTING AGAINST BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS. IF THIS GOES OUT OF CONTROL, WE BUDDHISTS WOULD BE ASHAMED TO SAY WE ARE BUDDHISTS.

    Dhammika Perera Friday, 30 June 2017 07:38 AM

    Now it looks like a fashion. Everyone issuing statements.You don't see the"Pol Parala" in your eyes. We have witnessed the rude behavior of young monks at university protests. Also in Asgiriya temple. Try to fix your problems before trying others.Badly need a "Dharma Sangayana" Dhammika

    Kingsley Wijesinhe Friday, 30 June 2017 07:26 AM

    There are still some virtuous monks in poor, rural temples and in arannayas who follow the precepts and lead exemplary lives, not like these various "nayakas" who travel about in luxurious vehicles and try to tell the government what to do. The Buddha himself said that the eventual destruction of the Sasana would come from within, and that is what is happening now.

    dulan Friday, 30 June 2017 07:04 AM

    I wanted to be a monk at 18 now I dislike the site of most.

    lion Friday, 30 June 2017 07:01 AM

    the way some of Muslim politicians takl about Buddhist priests and also the way they address them add fuel to fire. Specially people like , Mujbir Rahama should guard his mouth.

    Jeffry Friday, 30 June 2017 03:21 AM

    I appreciate the good comments made by the peace loving people and hope the respected Mahanayakes read these. Also HE the President and we are shame that no action had been taken to those who violated the rule of the country.

    AVB Friday, 30 June 2017 03:12 AM

    Indira,EW Adikaram openly warned about this situation in 1950s "To protect Buddhism in SL, Monks should be taught Buddhism".. Walpola Rahula expressed similar ideas too .... But nobody listen..

    Goraka Friday, 30 June 2017 01:53 AM

    See what 2500 Buddhist history has brought to SL - corrupt politicians, drunks, bribe-taking, child abuse, casinos, etc.Not very nice, isn't it. We could do a better job without our history.

    TONY Thursday, 29 June 2017 11:35 PM

    IF THE CLERGY CAN ONLY BEHAVE AND ABIDE BY THEIR RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS NO ONE WILL CRITICIZE

    Thursday, 29 June 2017 11:04 PM

    Half truth and false doctrines will pass away....

    walagamba Thursday, 29 June 2017 12:35 PM

    Unfortunately, these "Mahanayaka theros" don't see harm done by few monks to the true image of the Buddhist monks.

    TJ Thursday, 29 June 2017 05:15 PM

    Instead of intimidating the politicians, the Sangha should reprimand its members who are indulging in communal activities that bring disrepute to a great religion. Turning a blind eye to racism tantamount to facilitating it.

    citizen Thursday, 29 June 2017 04:44 PM

    Sangha must teach sangha at least to live as examples to people so that culture will take on some truth

    sobers Thursday, 29 June 2017 04:41 PM

    Everything seems to be blown out of proportion.Discussions and compromise is the best. We are wasting valuable time in unwanted matters, thus preventing development and productivity.

    Suranimala Thursday, 29 June 2017 04:34 PM

    We still talk proudly of our 2,000 year old culture and civilization. I have one simple question. Can we send even a 15 year girl on our streets or in public transport without being escorted? Where is the culture and civilization?

    shanthapriya Thursday, 29 June 2017 03:57 PM

    Trying to regain the lost prestige during ven Sobitha thera s time

    shanthapriya Thursday, 29 June 2017 03:56 PM

    They too must tell something

    Labby Thursday, 29 June 2017 03:51 PM

    They should have brought that 'wolf in sheep's clothing' (the BBS leader) to this meeting. Then we could have seen what these monks refer to as the 'Buddhist Culture'. I know I will be criticized for this comment, but folks, isn't this what is happening in our country?

    Ram Thursday, 29 June 2017 03:46 PM

    The conduct of some monks are available in youtube presentations in the internet and these Mahanayakas' who act on instructions of the ill advised must first view them first before issuing statements

    max Thursday, 29 June 2017 03:42 PM

    Oba wahanselata namaskara wewa! It's a timely letter, followed by Asgiriya chapter.

    Don Thursday, 29 June 2017 03:19 PM

    First clean house then talk about others evils. Monks are inciting racial and religious disharmony. The mahanayakes are silent on the matter. via DM Android App

    indira Thursday, 29 June 2017 03:10 PM

    I am a strong Buddhist. had very close association with my village temple and many near by temples. I have seen myself many Buddhist priests even do not follow Five Buddhist Precepts, Pansil. many of them are very indiscipline. so i started to ignore and not to respect any Buddhist priest. They are so bad and too much. I think if there is any damage any body trying to do towards Buddhism they should get the government to handle it and they should not directly interfere. I am sad today even I don't feel to offer alms to a priest.

    De Silva Thursday, 29 June 2017 01:39 PM

    It is only a set of proposals not a firm letter

    CRITIIZE WITH REASON Thursday, 29 June 2017 12:56 PM

    " criticize monks without a reason " -- Please do not whitewash the issue. Ones inner self (conscience) will give the answer.


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