Bill to stop monks from becoming MPs

Friday, 01 June 2012 00:01

United National Party (UNP) front-liner Wijedasa Rajapakse yesterday submitted a Private Member’s Bill asking that Sri Lanka’s Constitution be amended to prevent a priest of any religion becoming a member of parliament.

Mr. Rajapaksa said this Act may be called the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. “The Article 91 of the Constitution be amended by adding the Article 91 (H) Priest of any religion,” it said. The Bill also mentioned that the, ‘Amendment shall come into operation soon after the expiry or the dissolution of the 17th Parliament.’

Mr. Rajapakse said he had decided to bring this amendment for the purpose of maintaining and preserving religious dignity and holiness of all religions.

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Comments

-12+337 # Rilwan 2012-06-01 00:14

Its a good move, and the bill should be passed without any hazzle to protect religious dignitty , it should be applied to all priests from any religion in the Island.

-6+298 # Fusion 2012-06-01 00:18

Fantastic Mr. Wijedasa Rajapakse! Great to see someone with at least a bit of a spine in the parliament. But sadly I doubt the bill would pass

-2+98 # Black Mamba 2012-06-01 09:51

My sentiments exactly but it's better to give it a try!

-2+79 # Nodrog 2012-06-01 11:29

Already the monks are protesting so now we know where their true aspirations lie. Politics and religion should never have been allowed.

-0+6 # V Andrew 2012-06-01 12:24

I am really impressed by Mr. Rajapakse (no not MR). It takes guts to come up with such a suggestion, knowing how bad the Buddhist Monks react to such suggestions.

-7+211 # Lanka Puthra 2012-06-01 00:23

better latet than never

-7+246 # Observer 2012-06-01 00:25

Really good move...You should be commended for your vision. We are Buddhists but ashamed to see Buddhist priests seated in parliament with other parliamentarian s when their rightful place is in the temple. They must learn to follow in the footsteps of Lord Buddha and leave politics to politicians. Ethical values have eroded in society mostly because Buddhist priests are no longer focusing in propagating Dhamma.

-3+118 # Kumara 2012-06-01 08:35

That's true. Day by day we loose our respect towards our Monks, and the main reason is they are stuck inside this dirtiest politics. It is a must to bring them out of it and gain back the respect.

-0+9 # Nodrog 2012-06-01 16:34

The JHU monks entered politics vowing to make parliament cleaner and corrupt-free. Unfortunately they too were sucked in to the world of greed and power making them no better than the people they were trying to change.

-4+183 # balugood move 2012-06-01 00:25

very good move

-4+166 # nnn 2012-06-01 00:26

good move

-4+170 # minipe 2012-06-01 00:31

what a good bill to pass.

-7+112 # Shai 2012-06-01 01:04

You mean the people in parliment have no dignity.

-10+165 # PERERA 2012-06-01 01:44

nice one. confine them to the temples wheren they belong

-3+18 # Voter 2012-06-01 07:32

YES a great move, all religious dignitaries from what ever religion should spend their time preaching their religion and not be on political stages

-0+5 # marina 2012-06-01 14:38

All religious preachers must be asked to do their work only in religious matters and shold not be allowed to become politicians.

-3+86 # rakesp 2012-06-01 08:00

good moove Mr WR,
we are happy to have a such knowledge person as a parliamentarian in our period.
go ahead,god bless you gentleman.

-20+59 # CW 2012-06-01 08:00

Also, prevent other monks making political statements criticising the Govt of SL and participating in protests.

-16+36 # citizen1 2012-06-01 09:57

No offence, but come on now.. that is freedom of speech... where do we draw the line?

-1+45 # siri 2012-06-01 08:01

About time too! The Buddhist monks,(represen tatives and symbols of a scientific philosophy for the benefit of ALL beings) can learn a thing or two from other clergy. Monks should realise that they are not beyond correction.

-4+47 # Angelo Coonghe 2012-06-01 08:11

very good ,Bring another one to stop monks to becoming -
Manthacharya (Hora ved)du

-2+56 # mew 2012-06-01 08:12

Hats off to you Wije

-167+27 # PKR 2012-06-01 08:19

Crap Idea. Unconstitutiona l. Breach of fundamental right.
Politicians and parliamentarian s has no right to decide who can or who can not elected to parliament. It is the voters, people of this country who has that inalienable right to select their representative. If people dispice or dislike religious leaders, let them to reject or not elected them. Let people to decide. Members of parliament including Wijedasa Rajapakse can not beat if a respected, able monk or religious figure contest in the election. This attempt is to unduly secure seats for mean political candidates and not allowing religous leaders to get a opportunity to have saying in governance.
Wijedasa, the new leader of bar association, are you afraid of religious leaders coming to politics? Whom do you trying to save? Religion? Buddhism? Surely not...you are trying to secure more seats for crap laymen politicians. Surely this is infuriority complex.

-3+66 # Chinthaka 2012-06-01 10:58

Bro, Buddist monks are the ones who follow Lord Buddha.. Lord Buddha Left his palace kingdom and every thing to become a Lord of Buddhism. so that mean a buddhist monk should not come into politics...

-36+14 # jegss 2012-06-01 11:16

It is against fundamental rights of human being. Every individual have their civic rights. It should be in the hands of the people whether to elect them or not. It is the political parties to decide whether it is appropriate for them to nominate religious leaders as a candidate in the elections.

-4+27 # Dr.De Silva 2012-06-01 14:33

To Jegss, Yes you are right,then every Budhisdt monks would havr right to marry a woman,drink liquor ,gamble etc.Then what you mean by Buddhism. I feel you consider Budhist monk as normal human wrpeed with a yellow robe!.

-3+5 # Murdock 2012-06-01 16:10

Well said Dr. De Silva. Sri Lanka Buddhism should not be a laughing matter to the world, We should show the world that we follow true Buddhism in Sri Lanka. If we all follow Lord Buddha truely, Sri Lanka will prosper.
If the Buddhist monks btalks about human rights and decide to go parliament, get rid of all benefits and facilities they enjoy.

-1+3 # mathan 2012-06-01 16:53

Monks are just another human. Religion is for fearful human. Not for me!

-1+1 # Fusion 2012-06-01 12:13

You can't be a monk & politician at the sometime. Politicians are lawmakers! They create a constitution, laws enforced by punishments. they choose to go to war. Someone who calls himself a monk cannot enforce laws on lays. From the days of the Great Lord Buddha monks played an important advisory role, but never imposed their will on others! If a monk wants to enter politics, simple, disrobe! Theraputtabhya, disrobed before he joined King Dutugemunu. Once the war ended he re-ordained actually became an 'Arahath' at the end.

-2+19 # raja 2012-06-01 12:20

if you do not restrict all criminals will enter parliament, there are people to vote or they will be forced to vote for those criminals

-1+0 # Teshan 2012-06-01 14:01

well which one is not a criminal from the current lot ?

-0+1 # buffaloa citizen 2012-06-01 13:37

It is the duty of buddhist clergy not involve themselves with buddhism. It is also the responsibility of all buddhists from voting and nominating monks into politics. We know that this problem in SL is only with the buddhist clergy and not at all with other religeons. However sinhalese buddhism is a poor example of buddhism, thus whatever legislation, the poor culture and discipline will not get corrected or improved.

-0+1 # banda 2012-06-01 14:29

I too agree that the buddhist monks of our country should not do politics because the religious leaders are respected for keeping the buddhism alive and specially to educate masses with regard to doctrine of buddhism. We can now see what the presnt monks who have become members of the parliament are doing and what kind of benifits enjoyed by them which are not suitable to clergy persons. The monks were there in the past to advice the rulers but not become leaders of the masses. If any monk who wants to participate in active politics are free to derobe and do politics. Mr Rajapakse has taken a good move.

-16+0 # Leela 2012-06-01 15:13

The man is trying fst one to be popular.

-0+0 # VICTOR 2012-06-02 21:51

Leela = JHU

-0+2 # kandana 2012-06-01 16:54

When some one decide to be a politician they should give up the robes and come out as layman to run for the parliament. I am sure these people canot get there votes witout the robe. What is happening here is some people using the repect to the robe as tool to get in to there worldly compasions.
Unfortunately mst of these pople using to get there power over others by being parlimentarian. The superimness of this position should be downgraded like in first world countrys and Paelimentarian should be purely a volunteer than a paid public worker.

-0+3 # mathan 2012-06-01 16:57

People are fools in this country! Educate them! Everyone knows that it is difficult to educate Sinhalese!

-0+0 # Nodrog 2012-06-03 12:39

PKR.....this is possible with an intelligent vote base but not here where sentiments and personalities rather than common sense influences the voters.

-4+53 # chatu 2012-06-01 08:21

its a good move...also everyone has to support it

-3+46 # BlindSide 2012-06-01 08:24

At last some sanity into Sri Lanka parliament.

-4+43 # Dee 2012-06-01 08:27

This should have come 10 years back, tad too late now. not only clergy , but those who shed the robes are also in. thats even worse.

-6+48 # Dunstan 2012-06-01 08:27

Well done Mr.Rajapakse, You are a true Buddhist. But wonder whether this bill will be passed under this Govt.

-2+44 # SUNILA 2012-06-01 08:30

Hats off to Mr. Rajapaksa for standing for the preservation of Religions.Gather people around you for this move.You have been silent these days. As you are a person with integrity we like to see you in action in Parliament and outside.

-2+45 # hb 2012-06-01 08:34

great move but govt will oppose because of JHU

-4+40 # Prasanna 2012-06-01 08:41

Wish u all best

-3+7 # Wara 2012-06-01 08:44

That' good.

-4+38 # j 2012-06-01 09:51

Keep religion away from politics.

-4+31 # Had enough 2012-06-01 10:33

Good , keep those corrupt men in robes out of parlimentary politics. the insult our great philoserphy.

-6+31 # Lilith de silva 2012-06-01 10:52

There is no problem in monks becoming as MPs
But in Sr Lanka we have Bunch of thugs and
Hullo gens under the religious banner
Wear the Robe and come to the parliament
and have a havock . They are thugs not monks.

Bill won't change any thing they will change the costume
With the traditional national dress.

-6+29 # Kalana 2012-06-01 10:53

Good one, also should bring a bill to stop doing Jobs. After Premadasa allowing doing jobs to Monks, our monks got corrupted. Also, universtity entrance should be stopped if we want to protect our Temples.

-14+5 # saliya Wickremesurya 2012-06-01 11:44

Kalana, go get a life.

-1+23 # SK 2012-06-01 12:53

I agree with the university entrance part...they should be educated at Privenas/ Seminaries and not in Universities.

-0+1 # jegss 2012-06-01 16:25

OH do not suggest anyhting like this. If so only very few will join the priesthood.

-6+24 # Jim Hardy 2012-06-01 10:56

From the comments here we can judge who is for & not, good move.

Some Buddhist racists may not like it.

-23+11 # PKR 2012-06-01 11:12

So you like this because you are non buddhist racist?

-10+13 # TMA 2012-06-01 11:31

This will easily be defeated. They'll also add a 'Christiany/Muslim Conspiracy to this'

-1+21 # janak 2012-06-01 11:36

VERY GOOD MOVE. BUT MONKS WILL PROTEST SAYING IT IS A INTERNATIONAL PROPOSAL

-1+14 # Mason 2012-06-01 11:37

A good piece of legislation if you can get it passed. At least the monks will not have their hands tainted with bribery.

-2+14 # Joseph 2012-06-01 11:51

Excellent idea.Sooner the better.

-1+14 # dev 2012-06-01 11:57

A good move!!!
after becoming MP's they change their style of talking as well, it sounds weird

-2+14 # parak 2012-06-01 12:15

religion has become a business. They have plenty of other ways and means to do this. I stopped visiting temples long ago because I can not cheat myself..

-0+2 # Rahumathullah Husain 2012-06-01 12:19

Sir, this means you admit that politics in Sri-Lanka is dirty and unholy for the holy people? We expect this from ruling party politicians.

-1+9 # Fah 2012-06-01 12:30

Very good move, I hope all in their right mind and understands Buddisum will vote for it! Good luck Mr.WR

-1+7 # Existentialist 2012-06-01 13:06

If we are to go by your logic, people who voted for them do not understand Buddhism?

-0+3 # Smith 2012-06-01 14:59

I don't think even the Buddhist Monk understand what is expected of them, otherwise will they enter politics?

-0+1 # piyal 2012-06-01 12:36

we saw very recently remark made by one monk - upto what extent you may willing to corrupt your buddhist values in order to get that extra buck - it is indeed heart breaking to see as buddhists - we know why our religion our temples getting ruin day by day -
The worst is no body think this govt will endorse this very important bill which will preserve our sacred religion from these rogues - wait and see it would not happen - but one day this should happen - and it will

-0+1 # roshan 2012-06-01 12:42

wonder if anyone remembers during Chandrika's term of presidency she had appointed a committe of retired supreme court judges which came up with a report recommending Monks should not be allowed to enter parliament. So all WR is asking now through the private bill is to implement the recommendations of the Hon.Judges appointed by the previous SLFP govt.

If politics is more dear to some monks then they should not seek votes in robes.

-0+2 # Ronny 2012-06-01 12:43

This is a fantastic move. Hope the Govt. MPs will support this move. Isn't it also better to have a minimum educational qualification level for anyone contesting to become a Parliamentarian or a Pradeshiya Sabha Member . If minimum educational qualifications are required even to become a junior clerk/messenger/peon in the public sector, there should be a higher standard of level to be an MP or PS Member. Then thugs like ....... will not be able to become MPs, or Ministers and ruin our country.

-0+1 # Nishantha 2012-06-01 12:44

Why only parliament? why not provincial council and pradeshiya saba? Are parliamentarian priests a treat to your political agenda? You are the one who hurriedly prepared a federal constitution to CBK!

-2+7 # Sumedha 2012-06-01 12:45

Very good move..

-1+9 # Anton Weerasinghe 2012-06-01 12:46

A sensible move. we need sensible people like you in the Parliament Mr Wijedasa

-1+13 # Sankapudy Wijesinghe 2012-06-01 12:49

Buddhists monks shoud follow the Vinaya.
Is it allowed for them to take part in politics?
I think not.

-1+9 # dinesh 2012-06-01 12:58

This shd be implemented. It is gud for the society.If you want to come into politics disrobe the monk and then come into politics

-0+1 # lal 2012-06-01 13:19

Congratulation! This is good move.Please get approval of the parliament and implement this sooner than later.This is what we need.The priest became MP's is one of worst happen to our religion Buddhism.For another 100years or more any other religion other than Buddhist monks won't be contest to the parliament.

-0+1 # Cyril Alwis 2012-06-01 13:28

Also, Priests must not be allowed engage in any business. At leats, 25% of our monks are businessmen.

Cyril

-0+2 # Sumanasiri 2012-06-01 13:31

Excellent effort by WR. It should have been done by Mahanayakas ages ago.

-0+2 # Das 2012-06-01 13:42

It is against the fundamental human rights. It is not the priests or politicians to blame. Why the hel people vote these guys?

-1+10 # Aney Machang 2012-06-01 13:45

Very good iniatiative! the comments on the above suggest over whemling majority support for your bill. I hope the men who matters give you the numbers in Parliament to pass this.

The next bill should be, convicts should not enter Parliament, then the next bill should be only Professionals to enter Parliament.
SL then will be wonder of Asia!

-0+4 # buffaloa citizen 2012-06-01 14:32

Mervyn is also a proffessional! Many war criminals also have got doctorates. How do you stop that?

-1+6 # Ralph Anthony Kernr 2012-06-01 13:46

It is a very good suggestion. Your will receive the backing of the entire public.

-1+6 # aafi 2012-06-01 13:56

with due respect all religious leaders should try to preach for a better society. right now this is not happening except from a very few.

-1+8 # Hubert 2012-06-01 14:03

This what we need urgently

-6+9 # Russel 2012-06-01 14:07

It's not a good move! The constitution has already a respecter of persons restricting anyone other than the Sinhalese Buddhist from being the leader of the nation! I believe that the people should have the right to chose! Restricting certain groups of people from contesting is not the answer to the problem! Strengthen the rule of law! May the people choose! Don’t bind the choice of people! If it is a priest, monk, a labourer,it be a sinhalies, Tamil or any one for that matter have to be voted in has to win the hearts of the people! We the people of Sri Lanka should not be narrow minded! We need to get these petty differences between ourselves away with, if we are to build a united Sri Lanka!
We should learn to look at people beyond the language that they speak, race religion or any difference between us!
Look at the character of a person and the fruits he has yielded in what he has done!

-1+6 # Hasthi 2012-06-01 14:44

you are right on not being narrow minded. But clergy has a different role and they are respected due to that role. If any clergy seriously think he has a role in politics, trade unions, business etc. let them leave the 'robes' 'cassocks' or whatever that distinguish them as clergy and compete on equal footing with the others.

It is bad for their faiths and the following when they are involved in lay people's activities while still clinging to their role as clergy.

-2+4 # ajith 2012-06-01 14:51

I am totally agree with you!!

-0+1 # Suren 2012-06-01 14:11

Cat out of the bag.. seems like some one is hurt becos of this "Purawasthu Horakam"... Further too easy for TNA pals to tell lies about the history .. what a shame !

-1+7 # pension kaaraya 2012-06-01 14:16

i salute u Mr. M P. you are doing a loan overdue job to rescue "BUDDHDA SAASANAYA"

-1+9 # Manik 2012-06-01 14:19

Leading Buddist prelates should support this move. When priests become MPs they get ridiculed, insulted and even attacked and end up in hospitals like what happened in Parliament few years back.

-1+5 # Dayan 2012-06-01 14:21

Brilliant MOVE and all religious persons should be engaged in fighting against corruption, creates harmony, convince good governance to rulers and not behave like third class uncivilized politicians.

Also you did a very commendable job as a Chairmen of the COPE in comparison to your successor.

God bless you WR

-0+1 # shantha madawela 2012-06-01 14:39

ho! what a bad time to bad monks....

-0+3 # Haris 2012-06-01 14:57

All Religious should be banned from politics, including performing hunger strikes, picketing, speaking in political rallies etc

Haris

-0+3 # roshan 2012-06-01 16:02

you can add to this list being members/ leaders of Trade Unions etc. Basically any activity other than that for which they took to the robes

-0+5 # Mayu 2012-06-01 15:10

A constructive development. I support your move.

-0+4 # Gamunu 2012-06-01 15:11

good ..move but it should be applicable to all steps in plotical areana starting from Pradeshiya saba, Palath saba etc.

-0+5 # wasantha 2012-06-01 15:12

excellent decision sir

-0+3 # Saskia 2012-06-01 15:12

Very good move. In the current government, there are also some monks who are blocking the devolution of powers to Tamils.

-0+3 # deva 2012-06-01 15:20

Excellent move.

-0+4 # Lion 2012-06-01 15:24

Please bring this as fast as you can.Great philasohpy founded by Gathama Buddha has been tarnished by those profess to protect it by getting in to the parliment.

-0+5 # Aruna 2012-06-01 15:25

This move could have been much nicer had this come from some kind of governing body of inside the monks themselves to dispel from monkhood them of monks who goes for politics.
If they had kept silence, then at least this is better done by WR

-0+5 # ajith 2012-06-01 15:28

Quite rightly so...Should also applied to all those who were robe wearers before and became politickas.....

-0+1 # warra85 2012-06-01 15:59

Goody move mate.. coz they are the trouble makers.

-0+2 # shantha madawela 2012-06-01 16:10

good suggestion, don't know whether it will pass....

-0+3 # G.Amaraweera 2012-06-01 16:20

Wimal W .Is this another International Conspiracy? HE....HE

-0+3 # ck prahalad 2012-06-01 16:27

good move....secular SL is a better place to live....

-0+1 # Tokyo 2012-06-01 16:28

This is surely a dream!! Because, they( people with robes) said that they are willing to go even supermarket rather than" kade" just before few days.. They are blessed by top..

-0+1 # sahdi 2012-06-01 16:57

PLEASE DON NOT MIX UP RELIGION WITH POLITICAL BIN EXCELLENT MOVE....

-0+1 # ward 2012-06-01 17:13

politicians to parliament & monks to temple. simple as that dudes.

-0+3 # Purohitha 2012-06-01 17:23

Hey, Can you include few others too in the new bill..
Actresses, mentally retaded sons of politicians, money sucking cricketers, mentally retaded doctors too...

Purohitha

-0+2 # zimzi 2012-06-01 17:31

we should hav taken this step a long time back,but still its a very good move

-0+3 # S de Silva 2012-06-01 17:36

Very good move at least at this late hour.

-0+2 # Jeya 2012-06-01 17:49

Good one. Everyone has rights to enter politics that is Fundamental human rights. If religious leader interest to save people via politics , they should leave from religious. They can't bahave as religious and politician .

-0+2 # Purple 2012-06-02 09:18

Monks should set an example. Should also give up their luxury items like smart phones (whom are they calling anyway??) and iPods.

-0+2 # Namz 2012-06-02 02:00

Sanga has been assigned with a list of what to do and what not to do by The Great Lord Buddha himself. Who the heck is this guy to do that?

-1+5 # Ranasinghe 2012-06-02 09:26

While there are few very good monks in Sri Lanka, the majority of Buddhist monks corrupt. First of all the Buddhist has to realize that Buddhism is not a religion but a way of life.

Even lord Buddha escaped to the forest without living his people, so what can we expect from the modern day Buddhist monks.

I know most of the Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka are in to sexuality or politics. They cheat the poor citizen’s with their dress and preaching philosophy

God save Sri Lanka and Sri Lanans.

-0+1 # xlntgson 2012-06-02 22:33

Cat's paw: Those who drag monks, priests, clerics and poojaris do so with the intention curry favouring in favour future benefits whip up hatred, of the ten MP monks how many still continue, to whom they handed over?

-0+2 # Mohammad Ali Khan 2012-06-04 04:11

It is a difficult question?

Every citizen should have the right to run for election.If monks get elected, they should uphold the laws of the country, and make laws which are just to all the citizens of the country.

This is a sign of a mature democracy.

-0+0 # Apsara 2012-06-05 09:58

What will happen to JHU mouthpiece, C. Ranawake then?

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