Chief Incumbent, monks fast unto death against NGO converting Buddhists

Urge President to protect and foster Buddhism   

• The fast unto death would be an eye-opener to the relevant authorities

By Dayaratne Embogama   

A group of eight Buddhist monks including Chief Incumbent of Shrawasthipura Sri Bodhirukkarama Temple Ven. Rajanganaya Saddharathana Thera yesterday launched a fast unto death in front of the temple compelling the authorities to prevent the ongoing unethical conversion of Buddhists in Anuradhapura.   

Ven. Thera said an organised group of individuals of an NGO having its headquarters in Thalawa were visiting the low- income Buddhist families and converting them to another faith by donating roofing sheets, toilet fillings and building materials as gratifications.   

He said that when he warned the individuals concerned, they had made a false complaint to police stating that he had assaulted them.   

Ven. Saddharathana Thera requested President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who had pledged to protect and foster Buddhism, to intervene and prevent unethical conversions and to take action against the NGO involved in the act of conversion.   

He said that the fast unto death would be an eye-opener to the relevant authorities.