Religious leaders ready to nominate civil activists for Presidency; if no consensus by political parties: Ven. Sobitha Thera

12 July 2022 04:49 pm - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

In his comments, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said that if the political parties were not able to reach a consensus on appointing a new President, the clergy are ready to nominate five civil society activists suitable for the position and requested the party leaders to allow them to be appointed through the national list to Parliament.

The senior prelate told a news conference that civil society organisations have already spoken about five civil activists who have the exposure to relevant sectors, aware of the issues faced by the country, have future vision, have international relationships and devoid of political objectives to be appointed as the new President.

The prelate said the names of the individuals could not be disclosed now, as it could embarrass them and therefore the details would be disclosed at the right time.

"The future President should be chosen with a common agreement from all political parties and based on the national needs. We request all political party leaders to come to a consensus, leaving behind political power struggle. If they cannot do so, we are ready to nominate five civil activists suitable for the position. In such case, we request party leaders to allow them to be nominated through the national list in place of five MPs," he said.

"The people who had taken over the President's House, Presidential Secretariat and Temple Trees, must vacate the premises after the resignation of the President is announced officially today. “There could be a security threat to these national property as malicious elements may destroy or vandalize them. We request the protesters to hand back the premises to be taken care of by the security forces,” the intellectual Buddhist priest said. (Ajith Siriwardana)

Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Comments - 21

Nihal Amarasekera Tuesday, 12 July 2022 06:23 PM

One of the fathers out of the many to claim success of the ‘people’s struggle’

vithura Tuesday, 12 July 2022 06:30 PM

So called religious leaders are attempting to get in through the backdoor to secure their hold on governance. Hope Aragalaya protestors are alive to the nefarious designs of such vested interests and deny them any attempt to take the country back to its ruinous past.

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 12 July 2022 06:33 PM

Malicious elements are already in these buildings. Aragala guys should have protected these buildings.

Chandrapala Tuesday, 12 July 2022 06:47 PM

OUR COUNTRY HAS DESTROYED TWO FACTIONS. ONE IS MEDIA OTHER ONE IS RELIGIOUS LEADERS.

kamal Tuesday, 12 July 2022 07:02 PM

Banthe, you are doing a very dangerous job as religious leader. Now people go to politicians houses, in the future they may come to Buddhist temples as well. Please do religious activities and protect our prestigious Buddhism rather than involve in politics. Past 70 years you have done nothing to the country, involving in politics but pushing the country to the backward.

sss Tuesday, 12 July 2022 07:02 PM

No politicians whatsoever. It should be a honest specialist team to take SL out of bankruptcy. Only politician that may be in the committee is Mr Kumara and one of the politicians from north (all of them are capable than southern politicians)

Atheïst Tuesday, 12 July 2022 07:36 PM

Religion is a private matter. Don't interfere with politics.

Chux Tuesday, 12 July 2022 07:40 PM

Pls don’t encourage violence let sort things very amicably

John Frazer Tuesday, 12 July 2022 07:40 PM

Main curse for the country is for hugging in to religion. Learn from west world religion pl keep them to a side

John Smith Tuesday, 12 July 2022 08:17 PM

Religion MUST stay out of politics

Kamal K Tuesday, 12 July 2022 08:21 PM

The two factors that destroyed the country are Judiciary and the Police! They sided with the criminal politicians and always exonerated them of the crimes. That embolden them to treat the country as their backyard.

ganesh Tuesday, 12 July 2022 08:55 PM

religion and the clergy stay out of this. You monks have caused enough damage to the unity and progress of this nation

Gb Tuesday, 12 July 2022 09:55 PM

There's corruption everywhere even with monks, where we're they all this time? Supporting and blessing corrupt people in exchange foe money?

Mahila Wednesday, 13 July 2022 04:23 AM

No outside 'CRONIES' PLEASE?!! Existing MP's in Parliament only and no need of some guys swearing allegiance to some outsider?? This is part of the 6.9 who spoit this country??!!

Bandu Wednesday, 13 July 2022 05:21 AM

Stick to Buddhism thera. If you want to get into politics leave your robe. DOn't bring disrepute to a grate religion.

Dee Wednesday, 13 July 2022 09:32 AM

Please stay off politics. Look after your temple and stop Buddhism from further deterioration.

Lost Lankan Wednesday, 13 July 2022 09:35 AM

Stay away please restict your a ctivites within temple. We already saw one just departed due to Aragalaya. That's enough for generations to remember.

Naman Siva Wednesday, 13 July 2022 09:53 AM

To prove that SL citizens have got over the ETHNIC

Ali Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:22 AM

I believe that Karu Jayasuriya is the best option for interim president if the laws allow him as he is not a parliamentarian nor included on the national list. He can be trusted to do the right thing to hand over power to an elected president in 6 months

LUCKY Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:59 AM

We are now in the FRYING PAN what you are suggesting will no doubt push us into the FIRE. Please keep out of Politics you have caused enough of problems for the Country and it's People, by dabbling in matters that don't concern you. Please stick to your Profession !

lanka peiris Wednesday, 13 July 2022 08:16 PM

These so called religious leaders are responsible for making the mob rule that has brought SL to anarchy. Omalpe, the Cardinal and other bigots should be ashamed to call themselves religious.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Religious leaders ready to nominate civil activists for Presidency; if no consensus by political parties: Ven. Sobitha Thera

Comments - 21

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Proposed wage hike Estate workers appreciated or trapped in election promise?

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Most Viewed in News

Foreigner injured after falling from Lotus tower

Sri Lankan in Germany wins a Cybertruck

Diana under immigration radar for overstaying visa since 2014

Supreme Court rules Diana Gamage ineligible for parliamentary seat

Concessionary vehicle permits: MPs have their way, ignoring economic crisis

Not only on-arrival visas but online visas too should be stopped

MIRROR CRICKET

'You won’t see me for a while' – Virat Kohli hints at post-retirement plans

West Indies Women to tour Sri Lanka for T20I series

Nepal’s ex-cricket captain acquitted of rape on appeal

Shakib and Hasaranga share top spot in T20 all-rounder rankings

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Government to evoke 2007 circular to take action against non academics on strike

STF officer’s endeavor lit up school children

Sri Lankans in Russian-Ukraine war: Specialized delegation to visit Russia

Duminda’s case against Wijeyadasa’s appointment as SLFP Chairman dismissed

Mendis’ visa not denied, likely to join team before warm-up games: SLC CEO

Ronaldo tops highest-paid athlete list - Forbes

Warm-up fixtures announced for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Eshan Pieris secures silver class victory at GT World Challenge Asia Round 4 in Thailand