Restriction on pandals: Not a Govt. decision, but a ministerial request

25 April 2018 10:15 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While stating that the proposal to restrict Pandals on Vesak and Poson Poya Days is not a governmental decision, but a ministerial request made to people, Buddhasasana Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera today said the request to restrict pandals on Vesak and Poson Poya Days still remain.

Minister Perera earlier said the pandals would be prohibited on Vesak and Poson Poya Days whilst the Government Information Department said the government had not taken a policy decision to ban dansals and pandals on Vesak and on Poson Poya Days.

He said there was no prohibition on pandals on these specific days but people were requested to not to put up pandals only on Vesak (April 29) and Poson (May 29) Poya Days to stress on the need to focus on the spiritual aspect of religion rather than on mundane activities.

“We have made this request to people following a request by the Mahanayake Theras. It is up to the people to decide on whether to do it or not. However, dansals can be held on these days without any restriction,” he said.

The proposal by Minister Perera to the Cabinet on Tuesday banning Vesak Pandals and Danasalas was turned down by the Ministers severely objecting to the proposal.

Meanwhile, Buddhist Affairs Commissioner General Nimal Kotawalagedara requested the people who were organizing dansals, not to use Buddhist flags in dansals but to use a yellow colour flag. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)

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Comments - 10

S.P.RAMUMAR Wednesday, 25 April 2018 10:51 PM

Is there any different between Government Decisions and Ministerial Decisions, If anyone violate this how do Government take action. Sir If you have any personnel opinion on Pandals Please don't decorate your house but it is not fair to restrict General public who make Pandals and offering food to People. It is more than 2500 years traditions. Please allow the People to their way of worship as per their wish. Freedom of Choice.

Anushka Wijepala Thursday, 26 April 2018 11:12 AM

Superb comment. Exactly

Summa Wednesday, 25 April 2018 11:34 PM

It should've been vice-versa. We request the restrictions be imposed on all the "Theras" to save OUR Buddhism !!

Kamal Senanayake Thursday, 26 April 2018 02:21 AM

Before making requests these so called politicians and their families as well as some in yellow robes posing as the followers of Lord Buddha's teachings should set an example to the country they are in the process of ruining daily.

A. Jayatillake Thursday, 26 April 2018 02:24 AM

This is utter nonsense by the minister. One day he says there's a ban and the next day he says it's only a request, and this continues as a cycle.While it is good to focus on religious activities, it is up to individuals to observe same or not. The minister cannot make a choice. He is utterly silly.

malij Thursday, 26 April 2018 05:57 AM

The growing number of people who are mixed up not only in their spiritual lives but in their way of thinking is alarming. Spiraling divorce rate leaving broken families in its wake, cases of gruesome murders, sexual harassment, to name a few, are good indicators. In most issues such people jump into conclusions, taking things on there face value alone. Sad.

P.M.T. Pathirana (Lawyer) Thursday, 26 April 2018 09:20 AM

Don't talk rubbish man. Its not your mistake but the mistake of the people who appointed you as a Minister. Chit.

Dr. A.C.B. Jayaweera Thursday, 26 April 2018 09:21 AM

Mr. Minister, please don't bluff, we know you are a good for nothing fellow in the UNP and you are utterly a waste.

Lord Wolfstein Thursday, 26 April 2018 10:32 AM

What are ministries needed for the various religions? Sri Lanka is a secular country where religion and state are separate

Kathirs Thursday, 26 April 2018 09:40 PM

Rubbish. How he can be a Minister? Vesak pandals our right. No goverment can ban. Yakapalanaya.

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Restriction on pandals: Not a Govt. decision, but a ministerial request

Comments - 10

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