I won’t call myself a Buddhist, but one who follows Buddhist Philosophy: Mangala

23 May 2019 10:14 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told parliament today that he would not call himself a Buddhist but a person who follows the Buddhist Philosophy.

“There is no religion called Buddhism as it is only a philosophy. Buddhism does not belong only to Sinhalese as Buddha’s teachings have covered the entire universe. Some Buddhist monks who think Buddhism is a religion create troubles in this country,” he added.

He reiterated that those who are living in this country are Sri Lankans, though the majority is Sinhalese Buddhists. “I was scolded in raw filth for making a similar statement earlier. However I would repeat that sentiment again,” he said.

The minister alleged that some organisations led by monks such as Mahason Balakaya are trying to create another black July and destabilise Sri Lanka’s economy.

Saying that a factory belonging to a Muslim businessman had been burnt during the recent clashes, he said the Sinhalese would also suffer if Muslim business establishments are attacked and destroyed, because the majority of people working in those establishments are Sinhalese.

Citing a few examples, he said 75 percent of Brandix, 80 percent of Hameedia and 80 percent of Timex Garments are Sinhalese although these belong to Muslims.

“We managed to stabilise the economy when we came to power in January 2015. However, the droughts, floods and the constitutional coup on October 26, 2018 and the Easter Sunday bombs have de-stabilised the economy. The tourism industry has suffered a setback, but a few countries have assured to look into cancelling travel advisories,” he said. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 20

Patriot Friday, 24 May 2019 06:29 AM

Minister, why huge number of Sinhalese have to work in Muslim owned Brandix, Hameedia and Timex, etc.... Sinhalese businesses were not given chance and always kill off by the government to please the Muslim votes.

Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 24 May 2019 06:43 AM

Though on paper what he says some logic; his ulterior motive is votes and votes and votes; to hell with the country. What he should call himself; of course everybody know, except a butterfly.

Nihal Abeyagunawardena Friday, 24 May 2019 06:46 AM

very well said minister, Buddhism does not belong to Sinhalese sorry to hear you getting scolded, the monks who misbehave does not understand compassion, this is the only non violent religion in the world,

Rasika Friday, 24 May 2019 07:11 AM

True that transgender people doesn't have children, ethnicity or even a religion

Jay Friday, 24 May 2019 07:12 AM

Where have people of your calibre gone, Mangala? People with conscience / intellect have been on hibernation for a long time. Unless they wake up and get Sri Lanka out of the mess soon. Anarchism is going to take over and Sri Lanka will remain in the cesspool.

Kumar Friday, 24 May 2019 07:17 AM

Mangla, count me in. I am a Buddhist by birth and by conviction. Most Buddhist in Sri Lanka are Buddhist by birth only.

Manu Friday, 24 May 2019 07:31 AM

Anyway you are a buddhist. After you can say also you are not a Sri Lankan or Sinhalese.

"TEACHINGS OF THE BUDDHA" Friday, 24 May 2019 08:06 AM

What ever one may say the definition goes as "the teachings of the buddha". It is a philosophy. It does not dwell on whether or not there is an existence of god. This therefore could be the reason the Mahanayakes have no issue on the hindu god devales in the precincts of our temple of the tooth. Further more there are no objections by buddhist monks or others when our politicos run to indian temples. There is no (pardon me if I am wrong) statement in Buddha's teaching that their be images of him (likeness or otherwise) and he should be worshipped.

country man Friday, 24 May 2019 08:08 AM

There is no religion called Buddhism as it is only a philosophy. I fully agree with you on that point. But the rest what you are talking is bull. Do not forget Mr. Mangala, " SRI LANKA IS A BUDDHIST COUNTRY" What you believe, please keep it to your self. To the Daily Mirror: Sir do people have to print the name and the email each time. Please check with the other papers. Most of them, when one opens the comment section the name and the email is already there.

My government Friday, 24 May 2019 08:15 AM

A wonderful insight into our core issues as at present. But sadly only a few will understand its true meaning. I’m no fan of you but salute you for your bold stance. Thank you, cos many would only love to play to the gallery. And the gallery hates the truth.

EMPLOYMENT OF OTHERS Friday, 24 May 2019 08:20 AM

On the other side of the coin there are sinhala buddhist establishments which with vengence do not employ any others than their own folk. I am aware of one buddhist who married a muslim girl . The management threatened him of dismissal and resulted in a divorce. Thank god the children are doing well.

Sammy Friday, 24 May 2019 08:29 AM

Sensible! So should every religionist. Instead of carrying tags like Christian, Buddhist, Muslim etc. they should think as followers of great teachers

Venom Friday, 24 May 2019 08:32 AM

Like saying 'I won't call myself a fool but one who fools around'!!!

Nipuna Friday, 24 May 2019 08:34 AM

Better you convince your beloved Muslim friends to give up their religion and embrace this philosophy. Then the problem is resolved. People are only against Muslim business establishments that follow unethical business practices. So do something to rectify them first.

Amara Friday, 24 May 2019 08:44 AM

You are right that Buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion. It became a religion later on. However, that does not change the fact that you and your government must still be thrown out.

Ice Friday, 24 May 2019 08:46 AM

Wow! You said it! You are man without a religions!!

Karu Friday, 24 May 2019 08:57 AM

The issues we are facing at the moment cannot be solved by you disowning your religion and mother tongue. The threat of Islamic international terrorism is real. Of course violence in the streets is no solution

Pradeep Friday, 24 May 2019 12:10 PM

Very Correct, but only few can understand

QUESTION Friday, 24 May 2019 01:20 PM

Some comments above say "It became a religion later on" IF so why do buddhists worship hindu gods or go running to Hindu temples in India. Can these buddhists who seem to vehernmently comment frankly answer this question.

DillonDP Friday, 24 May 2019 05:38 PM

Though i am atheist, i should say this message is well said.

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I won’t call myself a Buddhist, but one who follows Buddhist Philosophy: Mangala

Comments - 20

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