Set up separate court to hear cases involving Buddhist Monks: Champika

18 June 2018 06:35 pm - 36 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A separate court, in consultation with the Mahanayake Theras of the relevant chapters, should be set up to hear court cases involving Buddhist monks, Jathika Hela Urumaya General Secretary Champika Ranawaka said.

He said this in response to a journalist at a news conference held today.

Mr. Ranawaka said the opinion of the Mahanayaka Theras should be sought with regard to cases involving Bhikkhus and that the Constitution had provisions to establish a separate court and as such it would be best to set up separate courts to hear court cases involving Buddhist monks.

“Buddhist monks have never asked for special privileges because the Buddha himself had said monks are subjected to the State law. However, the other cases too should be accelerated,” he said.

Mr. Ranawaka said the lawsuit on the D.A. Rajapaksa Memorial and Museum was postponed several times and the Avant-Garde case yet to be heard.

He said though the Court had sentenced Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary the Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera, it had failed to punish the criminals involved in Avant-Garde. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)

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Comments - 36

Stunne Citizen Monday, 18 June 2018 06:42 PM

Dear Minister, like most politicians you too are contradicting yourself, “Buddhist monks have never asked for special privileges because the Buddha himself had said monks are subjected to the State law" So the Question is why a Special Court?

Saradiel Monday, 18 June 2018 10:49 PM

Exactly. First of all , these monks priests and all should decipline themselves and live live within the law of the country. Then no worries.

SHAME ON YOU Tuesday, 19 June 2018 05:00 AM

Asking for special courts also is indicative to the outside world that MANY of our reverand monks are alleargedly acting against the law.Shame on you to think of such a move. The world will get a wrong message on Buddhism .

Prasad Hewa Tuesday, 19 June 2018 10:58 AM

Ridiculous. Everyone is equal under the law.

GD Monday, 18 June 2018 07:04 PM

I fully agree with Stunne Citizen's comment.

Nimai Tuesday, 19 June 2018 01:48 AM

Also separate ministry for that court and Mr Ranawaka can become the minister.

Independant Tuesday, 19 June 2018 02:33 AM

Law is selectively applied to whims and fancies of government, NGOs and foreign powers. Until such time the law is applicable across the board equally to all citizens, politicians of all religions and all other walks of life, justice is not seen to be independent in our beautiful country where once upon a time the rule of law prevailed!

Lankan Monday, 18 June 2018 07:07 PM

Dear Minister, we should have special court for all politicians, to put them soon behind the bars.

GC Monday, 18 June 2018 11:34 PM

Lankan, You should have said 'to put them behind bars QUICKLY and PERMANENTLY.

karthigesu04@gmail.com Monday, 18 June 2018 07:23 PM

Why not you all set up a separate court to hear the cases involved by politicians.

robert Monday, 18 June 2018 07:28 PM

Dear Minister do you think who is a Real Buddish Monk

753622523687 Monday, 18 June 2018 07:33 PM

Give us Muslims Sharia courts too

Arnold Monday, 18 June 2018 07:37 PM

No one should be above the law.

Rohanths Monday, 18 June 2018 07:44 PM

Then every tom n dick n harry will ask for special courts.

GC Monday, 18 June 2018 11:37 PM

Yes, then anyone can become a monk temporarily before a premeditated crime is committed, or become such a monk after an un-meditated impulsive crime is committed!

Ceylon Monday, 18 June 2018 10:37 PM

Separate courts for criminals in robes???.monks who telling this have criminal records.they are afraid of go to jail for their crimes.they are expecting their victims make complaints to police.

Rev. Fr. Sunil De Silva Monday, 18 June 2018 10:42 PM

Rev. Sr. Mary Eliza, a Rev. Sister belongs to the Congregation of Blessed Mother Teresa, Missionaries of Charity, was arrested on Friday the 25th November 2011 by Police under the instructions and orders given by the National Child Protection Authority. Mr. Champika, Ranawake, please remember that, THERE WAS NO SEPARATE COURT TO HEAR THE CASE AGAINST HER. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, called a Press Conference with the regard , 03rd Dec. 2011.His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm further said, “What I have to say that there are several groundless accusations leveled without properly investigating or finding the truth about the services of these Sisters. I make use of this opportunity to protest in the strongest terms, against this high handed action. I appeal to all the Catholics to pray for these Rev. Sisters who, and also for the misguided people and also to express their solidarity with the Sisters. Therefore, I strongly protest against the way this matter has been handled.

TRIAL IN OPEN COURT Tuesday, 19 June 2018 06:50 AM

Yes sir - remember Mathew Pieris was tried in open court In your case - remember a suspect is a suspect and the usual action need be taken - we are not judges - it is up to the investigating team to decide on arrests and remanding and final procacusion in court.

Jesica Monday, 18 June 2018 10:57 PM

If monks stay in their temples and do what they are supposed to do, there is no need of any court for them.

BEHAVE EVEN IN TEMPLES Tuesday, 19 June 2018 06:53 AM

And even in temples - behave as monks -teaching the damma.

Paul Anthony Tuesday, 19 June 2018 08:00 AM

Exactly...period.

sach Monday, 18 June 2018 11:16 PM

Law should be same for everyone. No special courts

Joe rajah Monday, 18 June 2018 11:35 PM

What is this Buddhist sharia law?

Mahila Monday, 18 June 2018 11:40 PM

We Must have a separate Parliament to pass laws of Buddhist affairs elected by Buddhist monks carrying special ID cards

Mashal Monday, 18 June 2018 11:56 PM

Does that mean there is more cases in future from monks to state special courts.

stanley de silva Tuesday, 19 June 2018 12:00 AM

we should also have special courts for catholic priests, bishops and cardinals. No one is above the law.

sHehaN Tuesday, 19 June 2018 12:57 AM

Why only now they want special courts for monks, Even in the past monks are sentenced to prison by civil courts and wear the jumber. These politicians simply politicalising Buddhism’s too.

SPECIAL GALLOWS Tuesday, 19 June 2018 06:55 AM

AND also sentenced to death and executed - do you want special gallows as well ?

Wise Donkey Tuesday, 19 June 2018 01:31 AM

Either you prosecute them in the normal court of law or allow them commit any crime and and walk free. The latest case is a clear cut case- The monk threatened to harm a lady who lost her husband through abduction during the previous government and that too the monk did inside the court and in front of the judge. So what do you expect to do either prosecute and punish or let him go free and unpunished, This monk wearing the robe has disrespected Buddha's teaching. Properly speaking he should not be allowed to wear the robe.

pissu lanka Tuesday, 19 June 2018 02:09 AM

why separate seats for monks in busses? and now separate law for not working. gay budhist monks? to hell with all these corrupt politicians and budhist monks in sri lanka.

Lankan Tuesday, 19 June 2018 05:14 AM

When we elect monkeys like this to be our leaders we get peanut policies and ideas. No wonder the country is ruined. Apart from that this statement is a defamation of the courts. Someone please take action against this fool.

COMMISSION Tuesday, 19 June 2018 06:59 AM

Is their a commission on this proposal - if so what is the percentage please.

A. K. Adwani Tuesday, 19 June 2018 07:23 AM

Stupid Champi first of all monks should not get involved in public life they should be in the temple to advise not on the road to protest and engage in crimes and other activities against the law of the State.

ravin Tuesday, 19 June 2018 07:59 AM

We must set up a special courts to hear all bribery cases, corruption cases and misuse of power cases against politicians and their stooges. Minimum penalty must be 15 years of hard labour to stoning to death in public and acquiring all assets of individuals and their close family members .

WTF Tuesday, 19 June 2018 04:25 PM

Why not suggest a special court for every citizen of SL? Everytime these fools open their mouths we become the laughing stock of the world!

CITIZEN Sunday, 24 June 2018 01:43 PM

Why separate Court for Buddhist monks? If you said a Court to hear cases of all religions and religious affairs there is some sense in it. You, as a knowledgeable person certainly know that none is above the law and the law of the country is common to all. Hence, if your proposal is to be adopted we may have to have a learned Thero as the Judge to hear the cases and deliver judgements. But, the judgements are to be based on what law other than the law/s common to all? Doesn't it sound ridiculous???

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Set up separate court to hear cases involving Buddhist Monks: Champika

Comments - 36

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