Keep monks out of politics: Asgiri Mahanayake

13 Jan 2012 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera said yesterday political leaders in the country should discourage Buddhist monks from taking to politics.

“I am not for or against monks doing politics and we can’t ask them to refrain from doing so. It is much better for political leaders to discourage the monks from entering the political arena,” the prelate said.

He expressed these views when United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa met the Mahanayake Thera on Wednesday in Kandy.

The prelate said everyone should work for the country despite insults and pressure from foreign countries.

“We should not work according to the dictates of foreign countries,” he said.

The prelate told Mr. Premadasa that when doing politics one has to face many problems, criticisms and crises, but one has to face up to these challenges bravely and with determination and go ahead with the assistance of others.

“If you can do so without insulting others, then your journey will be successful. Even President Mahinda Rajapaksa had to face many difficulties on his way to becoming President,” the prelate said. (J.A.L. Jayasinghe, Shane Seneviratne and Lalith Walisundara)

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Keep monks out of politics: Asgiri Mahanayake

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