A majority of politicians are corrupt: Mahanayaka of Asgiri Chapter

20 October 2022 06:26 am - 54 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Mahanayaka of Asgiriya Chapter Ven Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera expressed concern about politicians and senior government officials neglecting their duty towards the country.

During a meeting with the representative of the Nidahas Sevaka Sangamya of Sri Lankan Airline yesterday, the Mahanayake Thera pointed out that the majority of politicians and the government officials were corrupt. He said the national assets and public funds were in danger due to poor administration and corruption.

The Mahanayaka of the Malwatta Chapter Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, said the majority of politicians had been instrumental in destroying the country and not developing it. He pointed out that fraud, corruption and malpractices were the order of the day Ven. Thera said every government that came into power on the promise to protect national assets had done the opposite for personal gains. He further said that the Sri Lankan Airline has been declared an enterprise running at a loss, that Hambantota airport is maintained by the income of the Katunayake airport.

The trade union representatives explained on the sad state of affairs in the airline and hardships facing them. (Shane Seneviratne)

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Comments - 54

Keerthi Dissanayake- Aviation Consultant Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:03 AM

The only way for the airline to come out of this mess without being a burden on the economy of the country which has a direct impact on the poverty of the people of the country is to attract Investors to invest in Engineering/Cargo/Ground Handling/Airline College and manage those entities to run as Profit Centers leaving the Airline to function independently as a National Carrier. I have submitted a viable Proposal with potential investors earmarked to former President, the present President , Aviation Minister and other high ranking officials with no response at all. I made the proposal having done a deep analysis of the airline operation for over ten year period and comparing the airline operation with other International Airlines in the region with over forty years of airline experience behind me. Finally I have come to Australia and other airlines in Australia are seeking my advice and services to revamp some of those airlines. They say it is a pity to see me leave Sri Lanka

Keerthi Dissanayake- Aviation Consultant Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:03 AM

The only way for the airline to come out of this mess without being a burden on the economy of the country which has a direct impact on the poverty of the people of the country is to attract Investors to invest in Engineering/Cargo/Ground Handling/Airline College and manage those entities to run as Profit Centers leaving the Airline to function independently as a National Carrier. I have submitted a viable Proposal with potential investors earmarked to former President, the present President , Aviation Minister and other high ranking officials with no response at all. I made the proposal having done a deep analysis of the airline operation for over ten year period and comparing the airline operation with other International Airlines in the region with over forty years of airline experience behind me. Finally I have come to Australia and other airlines in Australia are seeking my advice and services to revamp some of those airlines. They say it is a pity to see me leave Sri Lanka

Spartacus Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:03 AM

You Mahanayake Thero's are also unfortunately more corrupt. Will you condemn racism perpetrated

Gama Rala Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:07 AM

Yes but nothing compares to the rajapaksa family. They broke the world record set by other corrupt leaders such as the Marcos's.

Punchi Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:08 AM

The Mahanayakes and our politicians pander to each other. The Mahanayakes conferring titles on the politicians and the politicians provide monetary and other benefits in a symbiotic relationship which drains our country financially, morally and ethically. Both are equally corrupt

TS Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:27 AM

Is it only the politicians who are corrupt in this country? Are those who advise politicians not corrupt?

Boru NA Atha .... Atha .... Atha ..... Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:41 AM

Very true Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera, 98% Politicians in SriLanka are corrupted, includes 75% of Rajapakshe family who looted our country and still living like Kings. Ranil who protects these thieves also counted as a worst thief.

Meera Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:43 AM

Judicial cannot punish our dirty politicians specially Mahinda and his son

Iwazaru Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:52 AM

Ah! The next time the politicians visit your den, tie a string around there neck and one around yours and hang. We are fed up with you fellows.

Dinesh Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:59 AM

80% of the blame is to the priests who nourish and support these corrupt politicians and the government officials

Sanath Perera Thursday, 20 October 2022 08:35 AM

Not only the politicians, a majority of Sri Lankans are corrupt and dishonest. Unfortunately, no one says it because they need the votes or donations of the corrupt majority.

Coo Mawatha Thursday, 20 October 2022 09:02 AM

Imagine for a moment, if Vatican is accepting ‘donations’ from drug cartels

Atheist Thursday, 20 October 2022 09:09 AM

Wow, we did not know all that already. Thank you for enlightening us. So when will the clergy sell all their luxury stuff and help the poor? And looking at your filled belly: you need a starvation diet too.

ASS Thursday, 20 October 2022 09:10 AM

It is time for Ven Priests to demand the resignation of all politicians over 65 representing politics today. Younger and fresh blood should enter parliament and governance.

Lank Thursday, 20 October 2022 09:12 AM

May Lord Buddha bless you for telling the truth to the public....This is a reality in Sri Lanka ..the venerable prelate is 100% right ...Nothing destroyed this country than these corrupted politicians..people teach them a lesson to them soon in the election....get rid of the civic rights as JR did with Sri ma ...it was wrong but no one has remorse if any judges does this to some of these corrupted politicians.

Samsn Thursday, 20 October 2022 09:14 AM

Unfortunately dirty trend started in 1977 to date. Last few years corruption reached maximum under MR.

sacre blieu Thursday, 20 October 2022 09:15 AM

Surprise, surprise. He seems to have been aware only now. all this rot has had its origins years ago with the involvement of those that are referred been responsible. Justice has been interfered with and even dragged on by conspiracy.

Last nail on the doffin Thursday, 20 October 2022 09:28 AM

It is great that the Mahanayake Thero at last has the courage to openly say this. By this time, all the wealth has been syphoned out by the corrupt. Their voices were drowned in the clamor of rogues, pimps and prostitutes. Let us hope that we have hit the last coffin on these bastards.

johan Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:08 AM

Even the wolf came in as President under sheep's clothing also not concerned much about the people but trying to protect himself and corrupt politicians and the Govt.officials. Why he could not bring back the special court installed for the Financial crimes committed by the politicians and officials. Now he has double taxed the people.

dinesh Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:37 AM

only now he is aware ??? the whole government sector is corrupt...not just the politician.. thats why we are bankrupt...

Jef Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:38 AM

Everything said is absulatly right...huge problem for the country is the practice have gone soo far in to the roots while having a magority still in office even for Mr president is a deficult task...only solution is to back track those illegally involved with fraud corruption to have a macanisam in place to prosecute to bring those involved for a recovery process and law

Lankan for country Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:38 AM

Is this more complaints because can't get electricity for free? Already Ceylon Electricity Board has much losses, and the half-price electricity to religious places provided at loss to CEB seems to be omitted from the Mahanayaka. The country is in such poor position because too much given to Bhuddism, including it being corruptly included the constitution!

Premalal Perera Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:40 AM

Our so called President is the biggest of them. He got the Central Bank busted. You should do something about it. You should support the people of this country who feed you.

Lankan for country Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:41 AM

Mahanayaka cannot understand the nature of day to day living of persons. They live on donations. The Mahanayaka robes are too ostentatious for the Mahanayaka to be taken seriously. Even our Buddha may never have had such beautiful robes as this and the other Mahanayakas!

Lion Thursday, 20 October 2022 11:00 AM

First and foremost these monk should stop receiving these politicians and also tying pirith nul in their wrists.with regards to investment in Air lanka , will any sensible investor set foot in this island which is governed by corrupt politicos who have court cases and the pertinent fact is one who was punished by the courts for bribe taking sitting is in the present cabinet as a law maker.

Religion is regarded ......... by rulers as useful Thursday, 20 October 2022 11:19 AM

It always happens when people are more concerned with religion (i.e. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism etc) than with good governance and accountability. Obsession with religion allows politicians to fool the general public under the pretext of being concerned for the people.

Know the meaning of developed world Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:43 PM

Totally agree. If people can intellectually analyse, will realise that the religions were created by rulers in the past to easily manupulate the public. Look at the west, where only a small percentage of the population give importance to religions and have the intellect to challenge the rulers. The west are considered develop not because of their infrastructure and system but because of their intellectual development and thought process. Our people are even lazy to use their brain, the easiest thing one can do, but swallow everything the politicians and clergy utter and endure a pathetic live in hope of a better life after death. Pathetic.

උනුත් හොරු මුනුත් හොරු Thursday, 20 October 2022 11:33 AM

I am a Buddist but I regret to say that a large number of Sanga are also very corrupt.

Religion must keep away from politics Thursday, 20 October 2022 11:42 AM

You are too late to realise this. Also you give lots of priority for these politicians who cheat everybody including God. Because of your blessings and your support successive govts was able to involve in corruption.

Mahila Thursday, 20 October 2022 11:43 AM

How come has not mentioned or forgotten to mention of the Robberies by the person this Mahanayake recommended in 2019, contest and be a modern day HITLER in governing the country!?? he did just that and got all his cases deferred/ bull dozed out from Justice system of all his malpractices in the previous AVATAR - Secretary Ministry of Defence11??

Jef Thursday, 20 October 2022 11:58 AM

If Mr president hang on to this theives he will have a same problem that GR had... Past is history we can't wait we must do whats important for the nation

Gayantha Hemachandra Thursday, 20 October 2022 12:01 PM

Not only most politicians and top officials, but also most members of clergy are corrupt…. They have litigations in courts regarding their temple properties, doing salaried jobs in government institutions, engaging businesses with laymen, and overall ,doing all the matters prohibited by the Vinaya Pitika. During the time of the Buddha the most sacred and enlightened one, no nayaka theros or viharadipathies but now all are among and it is against the Buddhist teachings. The list goes on… Better to clean your own yard than advising others…

Ram Thursday, 20 October 2022 12:26 PM

Venerable Sir, When MR visit you please tell him not to be corrupt and bring back the robbed money

Kroda Thursday, 20 October 2022 12:29 PM

The Mahanayake may be half heartedly telling the truth. However, when these rogues visit him wearing white and with a bundle of Goodies, he is happy to welcome them and tie a Pirith Noola.

මොහොඩයා Thursday, 20 October 2022 12:56 PM

Majority of monks are also corrupt and work with thugs. Temples are headquarters for cartels. A significant proportion of monks are molesting children. At least a politician doing that kind of a thing is a rarity since they have an image to maintain in order to win elections. But monks, they just love little boys

Kamal Bolawansa Thursday, 20 October 2022 01:24 PM

You all supported and backed Gota, Mahinda and SLPP Rotters to come to power and now What?

SHM Thursday, 20 October 2022 01:40 PM

We salute him for his frank and straight forward statement. This is the absolute truth for our country to go bankrupt. Culprits are not prosecuted for their connection with the top people. The people who are prosecuted are those who protest against this.

Neighbourlinesses Thursday, 20 October 2022 02:18 PM

Mahanayakes, you people are creating ethnic disharmony. What do you say to two states in one country? Don’t you realise it will bring two loving neighbourly people ?

Coo Mawatha Thursday, 20 October 2022 04:26 PM

Imagine a moment, if Vatican is accepting ‘donations’ from drug cartels, and war criminals. Imagine if Pope is giving an audience to Vladimir Putin, Pablo Escobar or Hugh Hefner and gives benediction, blessing them long life and strength. What would we then consider of the Vatican, the Pope and the direction of Catholicism? Hold that thought. Now what is the Mahanayake(s) saying? You accept Mercedes Benz and land purchased with illgotten money as donations, including funds from these goons. Give audiences to known criminals, corrupt politicians, and even murderers (Gota, for an example). You bless them. Never reigned in on those monks who actively preached racism and violence against other religions. Never attempted to unite the diverse communities. Never uttered a word when mayhem and murder was unleashed on minorities (muslims, tamils, christians). Having squandered your moral authority, you are now ‘expressing concern’ about corrupt politicians. Amusing. Laughable.

DW Thursday, 20 October 2022 05:41 PM

He doesn't have to say that. The whole world knows that. Please stop wasting everyone's time. No one wants to hear from someone that the sun rises from east.

emilyjoack Thursday, 20 October 2022 06:21 PM

Why do politicians never resign or tetire most ot then are over 65 years old unable to walk need luxuary cars and driven by driver all cost by the poor people children fainting at school

hoodwinker Thursday, 20 October 2022 06:24 PM

For would be future ruler's please stop doting on any religious leader's and appointing Minister's for each religion. People will wait to see the politicians and the judiciary what steps they will take in the future it is rather difficult if majority of you are made P-Counsel by the ruling party, just like the Police OIC's. you have must listen to the voices of the people.

Tony Pereira Thursday, 20 October 2022 06:24 PM

The loss making SEOs will not be sold as the bloated staff levels comprise several politician appointees.

Nihal S Thursday, 20 October 2022 06:29 PM

You also support corruption by accepting 'pirikara' from the corrupted politicians and blessing them.

Julian Fernando Thursday, 20 October 2022 07:17 PM

The Day Sri-lanka sperate state and religion that's day we will be successful.

Bhagawaan Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:04 PM

Basically this is a Sinhala Buddhist country by construction, if anything goes wrong , Sinhala Buddhist are responsible

Bhagawaan Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:19 PM

As the democracy progresses the office of the president ( all politicians) represents more and more closely the inner soul of the people who elect them One day the position will be occupied by Downgrades fools an narcissistic morons H.L Mencken The Baltimore evening Sun July 26,1920 ( paraphrased)

Coo Mawatha Friday, 21 October 2022 12:54 AM

I write this after reading 46 comments before me. Not one, yes not a single comment is complimentary of the Mahanayaka Thero! They are the custodians of Theravada Buddhism as practiced by us, Sri Lankans. So what will be the future direction of Buddhism, if we are led by duplicitous and equally corrupt Mahanaka Theros? (sadly the Thero would not read Daily Mirror, leave alone read in English). Point being shouldn't the practicing Buddhists (me not one) demand a reformation? Demand change? Why is there none?

Banapala Balusinha Friday, 21 October 2022 03:40 AM

Why do you so late to make this? You did not anything in the last 20-30 years? How about Maha Sangha? They are investing money in illegal places - many cases are around? You did not see anything!! Sadhu!!

Punchi Friday, 21 October 2022 05:01 AM

Unless we get rid of this religious strangle hold on our country - like the French Law baring clergy from engaging in politics - one of the impediments to our Lanka’s advancement will remain in place. Also if the Theros are of benefit why are they failing to get Buddha to send us food, fuel, fertilisers, US dollars etc.

Terrence Friday, 21 October 2022 06:44 AM

It is difficult to understand the Clergy knowing that politicians are crooked they give leave for them to call over at these Temples and listen only I see some who reprimand them and make it a point to ensure that they do not come hereafter if there is no change in them. Politicians think by these meetings they have got the license to carry on cruising with their old ways

Tissa Fernando Friday, 21 October 2022 08:19 AM

Dear Mahanayake, I am a devoted buddhist but not a politician, but I was not able to secure an appointment to meet you in person as I am just an average guy. You only give appointments to meet the politicians and high profile figures like Thilini madam. So if you are now seeking some redemption, allow peasants like us to come and see you.

Aquarius Friday, 21 October 2022 02:38 PM

You can walk the talk by refusing to entertain them in places of worship. You are always there to welcome them and their gifts with open arms and on top of that bless them to continue to do their dirty work to ruin the country. How can you explain how many times you have welcomed these crooks yourself? You have been silent when they promoted a sinhala-buddhist country in our multi-ethnic, multireligious society. So, for us who are looking for sensible religious leaders, you have failed miserably.

Anthony. R Friday, 21 October 2022 06:57 PM

The same Corrupted Politicians,are Bestowed Blessings by the Mahanayakas,each time they visit them in their Temple's

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A majority of politicians are corrupt: Mahanayaka of Asgiri Chapter

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