Agga Maha Pandita Most Ven. Omare Kassapa thero has expressed concerns that a certain professor is making statements on a political platform that threaten Buddhism, which is protected by Article 9 of the Constitution. In light of the current threats posed by such destructive elements to Buddhism and the nation, it is impossible for the Maha Sangha to remain silent. He also lamented that some monks are being swayed by these ideas without considering the broader consequences, urging the nation to avoid getting caught up in these risky ventures.
This statement was made during the Southern Lanka Maha Sangha Conference, held recently at the Nupe Sanasa Hall, Matara. The conference, organized under the leadership of Agga Maha Pandita Most Ven. Omare Kassapa thero, was facilitated by MP Vajira Abeywardena and Southern Province Governor Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena. The event was attended by approximately 800 respected Maha Sangha from the Galle, Matara, and Hambantota districts, who gathered to extend their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Maha Sangha praised President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s program, chanted Seth Pirith and offered blessings for his future endeavours.
Most Ven. Omare Kassapa thero commended President Wickremesinghe for his steadfast leadership during challenging times and acknowledged that his efforts, alongside his team, have significantly improved the country. He conveyed that the President and his team have the full support and blessings of the community.
Further, Most Ven. Omare Kassapa Thero emphasized:
We must firmly oppose any attempt to seize power with the aim of undermining the Sambuddha Order or attacking and destroying our national culture. Is this Marxism? I urge educated doctors and professors in our country to remain vigilant.
We need to develop our governance system with an open mind. Importing a constitution from America, England, Germany, or Australia will not suffice. Instead, we should craft a constitution tailored to our needs, created by a committee of knowledgeable and experienced individuals who understand our country and its people’s consciousness. This constitution should reflect the thoughts, values, and awareness of our nation.
A certain professor is currently speaking in a manner that threatens the rights of Buddhists protected by Article 9 of the Constitution. We are committed to removing that clause once we come to power and will not remain silent in the face of such rhetoric from outsiders.
We reject the changes they are advocating. If such experiments with transformative changes fail, there will be nothing left for us. It is concerning that some monks are making decisions without considering the long-term consequences and are following trends that could ultimately harm them. Those calling for change must be wary of ending up worse off.
We need to clearly understand the challenges we face and address them thoughtfully. The people of the country should deliberate carefully on this matter. It is crucial to choose national leadership with the wisdom and foresight necessary for our country’s needs.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has demonstrated resilience and a clear understanding of his responsibilities in leading the country through difficult times. As Maha Sangha, we offer our blessings to him and his team for their efforts in improving the country while safeguarding national resources for the benefit of all.
Ven. Dodampahala Rahula thero;
If there is a social mission to be carried out for the people of this country, even if it involves politics, it remains a mission that should be undertaken by Buddhist monks. As emphasized on February 12, 1946, by the monk, such efforts are not about seeking positions in the State Council but about providing progressive leadership and overcoming reactionaries.
In the face of the current crisis, we must recognize our responsibilities. During a time of national instability, our current President prevented our country from suffering the same fate as Bangladesh. Over the past two years, since President Ranil Wickremesinghe took office, he has refrained from printing excessive money, unlike before, when new currency notes were issued monthly. Had he done otherwise, the currency would bear his signature.
Under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership, the country has seen resurgence in tourism, with nearly 2.5 million international visitors contributing dollars to our economy. His efforts have also focused on increasing domestic investment and directing the nation’s attention toward global recognition. This is why we support him.
We do not carry personal files when meeting a leader; this is a national initiative, entrusted to the general oversight of the national program. In recent years, significant strides have been made for educational advancement. Out of 825 pirivens in our country, 64 basic science institutes have been established, and six scholars have been assigned to each of the other pirivens, all aimed at improving the education of young novices. Scholarships totalling three and a half lakhs per year are awarded to 19 young monks across various categories. A place that once received 50,000 rupees now benefits from three and a half lakhs.
This year’s budget includes provisions for the Mahapola scholarship, which will be granted at the beginning, middle, and end of the course. Additionally, funds have been allocated to establish a Maha Vihara University in Anuradhapura, continuing the Maha Vihara tradition.
Among leaders who have engaged with political figures since 1977 and understand the global landscape, the current president stands out for his achievements.
The event was attended by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera and Kanchana Wijesekera, and Member of Parliament Vajira Abeywardena.
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