Eminent Buddhist monk laments erosion of rapport among people, politicians and temples today

Says there is no one to turn to in case of a dire need

Calls for need to have politicians who safeguard Buddhism   

By Yohan Perera 

The long-standing tradition of rapport between people and  politicians is fast disappearing today, and people find no one to turn  to in case of a dire need, an eminent Buddhist monk said yesterday.  

Leading Dhamma orator Venerable Dodampahala Rahula Thera  who was preaching during a ceremony held at the historical Veheragoda  Temple Sedawatta to celebrate the 76th birthday of former President  Ranil Wickremesinghe, said there is no one the people in the villages  and the religious leaders could turn to for emergency help today.   

“Sri Lankan people and the religious leaders get the  politicians to assist them in almost all events in their lives from  birth to death. The politicians assist people in weddings, funerals or  any other event. A politician is notified even if a monk passes away.  The politicians are the ones who come to the temple first and help in  cleaning the temple and with chores during such events. However, there is no  one which we could turn to today,” Venerable Thera said.   

“Former President Wickremesinghe used to get someone else  to assist us whenever we sought his assistance even if he could not help  us personally,” the Thera added.   

Highlighting that Mr. Wickremesinghe and his family members  have always helped the monks, he said the country is in need of  politicians who could safeguard Buddhism.   

The Chief Incumbent of Veheragoda Temple Sedawatta  Venerable Ambanpola Gnanaloka Thera said yesterday’s religious  observances were conducted to invoke blessings on Mr. Wickremesinghe on  his birthday and his family members including the late Helena Wijewardene  who rendered a yeomen service to Buddhism. “The Wickremesinghe and Wijewardene families have provided immense support to this temple over the years,” he said.