28 March, 2024

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Should A Country Be Governed By As Sangha Says?

By Upali Gajanayake –

Upali Gajanayake

Prelude

A group of countries governed by religious principles can be seen on the world map even in this 21st century. Ignoring human rights is common in such states dominated by religious leaders. The Taliban regime in Afghanistan is an example of suppression of human rights by religious fundamentalism. Not just under the Afghan mullahs or Iran’s Ayatollahs, there is information released every day in our world about the suppression of civil liberties in all states controlled by religious fundamentalism. Such governments are especially dangerous for ethnic and religious minorities.

Some historians provide evidence that Buddhism has had a massive influence on the state in Sri Lanka since ancient times. They present ancient works including the Mahavamsa as evidence of the decisive influence of Buddhist monks on governance the country. Ven Dr. Walpola Rahula Thero has compiled the book entitled “Bhikshuwage Urumaya” based on those historical evidence. Ven Dr. Rahula argued that even today the Buddhist monks own that historical heritage.

Vidyalankara Manifesto

Ven Rahula not only prepared the theoretical background for the monks to engage in politics, but also, he was an active political monk. Once he was physically attacked by his political opponents for addressing election campaign meetings against UNP. Even some of UNP supporters had said that behind that attack on the group including Ven Dr. Rahula, were the henchmen of the DS Senanayake and JR Jayewardene who represented Kelaniya constituency at that time. The famous Vidyalankara Manifesto was published with the intervention of Dr. Rahula Thero and it was a modern publication that justified the politics of monks.

With the opening of the door by Ven Rahula, a huge number of Buddhist monks were politically baptized during the general elections of 1956. The general election of 1956 was held in an environment with a great enthusiasm among the Buddhist community of the country because of the Buddha Jayanti (2500th anniversary of the Gauthama Buddah’s parinibbāna). In the general election, it was not difficult for the monks with a history of acting as guides of the Buddhist people in terms of taking the voters to the place they wanted. After the collapse of the Sinhalese monarchy, the marginalized Buddhist monks once again took the political license to control the state. It is an open secret that Mapitigama Buddharakkitha had an influence on the Prime Minister even in the case of appointment of the cabinet ministers. The United Monks Front (Eksath Bhikshu Peremuna) which supported the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) in the 1956 general election, was operated under the leadership of Buddharakkhita.

The fate of Bandaranaike–Chelvanayakam agreement

The political support of the Buddhist monks came as a boomerang to Prime Minister Bandaranaike when he had to tear up the Bandaranaike–Chelvanayakam agreement when a group of monks surrounded his Rosemead residence. A group of Buddhist monks who pioneered his rise to power were forced to tear up the agreement. The Bandaranaike–Chelvanayakam agreement advocated to create regional councils(Rata Sabha) in Ceylon for giving a certain level of powers to the Tamil people, and was intended to solve the communal disagreements that were occurring in the country at the time. The monks who forced the Prime Minister to tear up the Bandaranaike–Chelvanayakam agreement, also took a hostile approach to the Tamil Language Special Provisions Bill, 1958.

The story of this religious influence in 1950s was ended when the Prime Minister was killed by a monk whom by the Prime Minister called a ‘Cheewaradhariya’ or a robe wearer.

A Monk shot to dead

The behaviour of most of the Buddhist monks shows their reluctance to accept that Sri Lanka is a multinational, multicultural society. The main ambitions of such monks who never understand the gap between religion and the state, is to keep Sinhala language and Buddhism at the forefront of the state. But they are unable to understand the damage done not only to the state but also to their own religious teachings. Meanwhile, their narrow vision is cunningly used to their advantage by many politicians who are greedy for power in Sri Lanka.

1958 was not the only time when Buddhist monks protested efforts to transfer the right to use their language to the Tamil people. It is an objection that has been reported continuously in recent history. The same objection was raised to the Tamil Language Special Provisions Bill, 1966. On 8th of January 1966, in an anti-Tamil demonstration, one Buddhist monk was shot dead by the police. An indelible stain in Sri Lanka’s left-wing political history is the joining of the main left-wing parties in mentioned anti-Tamil campaign on the day 08 January 1966.

Since the Indo-Lanka Agreement of 1987 and the establishment of provincial councils, these monks are taking to the streets against any rights of the Tamil people. Even the false voice of devolving police and land powers to the provincial councils has again provoked them. Other ethnic groups are also vulnerable to the opposition of the above-mentioned groups of monks. For example, recently such protest campaigns were launched targeting the Sri Lankan Muslim community. This is a behaviour that completely betrays the basic teachings of the Buddha. In the Vasetta Sutta, the Buddha preached that although there are differences between different animal groups such as reptiles and birds, all humans are within the same group. The broad picture of common human rights is being distorted by some monks who are driven by communal and religious fanaticism.

The above-mentioned behaviour of many monk groups is not limited to the cultural aspects. Some intervene in subjects they do not know, including economics and agriculture sectors without any quantitative knowledge of those specialist areas. A good example of this is the intervention of Athuraliye Rathana Thero MP in the agriculture sector. Rathana Thero is a person who has not studied the relevant subject has intervened to ban the use of fertilizers and chemicals without any scientific research. His intervention ended with the country suffering a severe food crisis.

Buddhism is a teaching that embodies a philosophy that provides a solid start to an important disciplined existence. Buddha’s Bhikshu community is also an organization established on such a disciplined basis. But today many monks in Sri Lanka work without taking that religious discipline into consideration. Some monks who put pressure on political institutions are now inclined to influence even the judiciary. Former President Maithripala Sirisena has said that it was Athuraliye Ratana Thero who asked him to release a prisoner convicted of murder. And Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thero was convicted of contempt of court and imprisoned.

A pressure group

Buddhist monks are clearly an influential group in Sri Lankan politics who has their own distinct social and religious aspirations. But today, in a country with multinational and multicultural potential, if the desire of one such group is understood as the general desire of the state, it will cause a great prejudice to the entire society. On the other hand, their slogans are based on a limitation that does not understand the matter at all. They once led people against the federal system, today they are even engaged in an attempt to besiege the parliament even with the false statement of transferring police and land powers to the provincial councils, without proper understanding.

Educated only in greedy so-called political schools where racism is political opportunism, these monks have little understanding of world trends. The Tripitaka and even Buddhist literature make many references to caste, race and the nature of political power. But today’s popular Buddhism has suppressed that valuable Buddhist teachings. Who do they get political advice from? From which political forces? To find an answer for that question, I invite you to look at the main trends of monks’ politics in the last two decades.

(1) Soma force; There is no doubt that Sri Lankan Sinhala–Buddhist society still remembers the late Ven Soma Thero. He gained popularity in the Sinhala society through his sermons. That popularity was more rooted in Sinhala society with his controversial statements made about a Muslim expansion eastern province the country. The Soma-Ashraf TV debate, which was given more publicity by the media, attracted the attention of many people. With the false idea that Soma’s sudden death that happened in Russia was a Christian-influenced murder, the political result was taken advantage of by the Jathika Hela Urumaya lead by Patali Champika Ranawaka. A group of Bhikkhus, including Athuraliye Rathana, entered the Parliament with a racist political agenda, with the slogan of Soma’s death certificate. Patali Champika Ranawaka played a major role in forming the ‘Jathika Sangha Sabhawa’ and providing the necessary theory for it. The late Ven Maduluwawe Sobitha was its founding chairman. The entire monk organization led by Sobhitha directly opposed the decentralization of power.

(2) ‘Kudapola Force’; I will also recall a fact from the 20th century that cannot be forgotten. That is, during the 1985-87 the way the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna used monks to protest the Provincial Council. During 1987-89, JVP had formed an organization called ‘Kudapola Force’ including a number of young Buddhist monks to target monks who supported to the Indo-Lanka accord and provincial councils. The ‘Kudapola Force’ came under suspicion for several murders of monks in 1987-89. (The organization was named as a respect to Ven Kudapola Rahula, an anti-imperialist Buddhist monk who was killed during the British colonial period)

(3) Wirathu warship; Most of the Buddhist monks involved in politics in Sri Lanka today have been ideologically trained by such political organizations. They are internationally similar to groups such as Wirathu Bhikshu, a prominent Muslim dissident in Burma. Ven Galagoda Atte Gnanasara who fostered the anti-Muslim public opinion in Sri Lanka, invited to Bhikkhu Wirathu, to Sri Lanka and organized a warm welcome.

Who is today’s main theorist of anti-decentralization monks? He is Wimal Weerawansa MP, the leader of the National Freedom Front, who publicly challenges decentralization of the power. The analysis of Weerawansa on federal system has become the handbook of anti-provincial council’s monks. Who can challenge Wimal Weerawansa’s so-called comparative studies regarding the various federal systems in the world?

conclusion

Even today we see such narrow-minded monks’ political interference on roads and in public places. Political participation is a right of all citizens in a democratic society. We don’t challenge it, but should the entire state obey the will of any influence group that has only put forward its ethnic or religious ambition without a national vision? Indeed, the serious issue in the country is that one religion has taken over the state. In many countries, this kind of influence has been removed by separating religion from the state.

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Latest comments

  • 69
    12

    The people who just shave their heads and wear yellow robes are not venerable or earn any respect. The cattle in Sri Lanka merely recognize the yellow robe and assign it a venerable status that is totally misguided and inappropriate. Most of these people who wear yellow robes are free-loaders who have quickly cottoned-on that they can merely learn some Pali stanzas and in return get free accommodation, free food and free alcohol, frustrated women whose alcoholic husbands drink or abuse them are drawn to these people who eagerly discharge their own sexual frustration into them or sodomise boys who are put in their custody as a kind of initiation with imposed silence using threats and intimidation. These perquisites are achieved without much effort, no competitive exams to pass, no routine work Monday to Friday, 9-5 or travelling in crowded buses to and from work etc. Therefore, these parasitic hordes (watch any public protest on TV to determine their dignified existence) have no qualification or suitability to advise on national policy. The vermin politicians who pander to these yellow robed people are merely exploiting the cattle’s stupidity to gain or remain in power.

    • 40
      2

      LP
      “or travelling in crowded buses to and from work etc.”
      Buses are never crowded for these guys. I once saw a young samanera forcing an old man to get out of the “clergy” seat.

      • 32
        2

        Honestly, do anyone think Lanka can recover without addressing venerable issues ???? Our rogue politicians and not so venerable are the two most virulent parasites, who sucked the goodness / life , out of this country. Venerable do politics and vice versa. They have a symbiotic relationship in destroying the country. Regardless, it his Hindu, Muslim, Catholic or SB, when religion and politics together are contaminated, irrespective of country, people will pay dearly.

      • 3
        21

        LP
        “The cattle in Sri Lanka merely recognize the yellow robe and assign it a venerable status that is totally misguided and inappropriate.”
        If you want to call an ethno-religious group “cattle” why are you wasting time addressing them?
        You should know better than many here that such disrespect is no better than the bad conduct of the clergy.

      • 2
        2

        “I once saw a young samanera forcing an old man to get out of the “clergy” seat.”
        OC, Should we not thank good old Dudley S for that?
        Even now there are no priority seats for the sick and the elderly in public transport.

      • 11
        0

        LP, as always, “no one can tell it, as it is”, like you do. Fortunately, except for a few the rest are able to comprehend your response.

    • 14
      2

      Freelance YouTuber Sepal Amarasinghe, who is now in prison, made it very clear that many of the “yellow pets” in srilanken temples today come from poor families. That is the truth.

      – Their parents believed that such human sacrifices would bring generations of their families closer to Nirvana. Again a myth being highly recognized in THANAKOLA eaters dominated srilanka.

      Most of those senior monks abuse those child monks almost everyday.
      .
      I have no doubt, Ghanasara and Mangalarama monk are paedophiles. These men entered to SANGAHOOD to live up their hidden propensities.
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9YyGRdM86U

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFSgzuNyBCA

      Medical reports from several children’s hospitals revealed that the cause of rectal bleeding in child monk patients was through child abuse under the guise of so-called “Sinhala Buddhism”. but our totally ignorant society does not seem to take it serious. Champa or the like sinhala exetremists would stammer good stories in favour of the survival of such cirminals.
      Myths floating in the Sinhala Buddhist society are defense mechanisms for those criminal monks to escape from today’s crimes in the same society. But the true story is that those monks joined “Sanghashirism” because they became monks because they could not feed their parents.

    • 5
      1

      Part I
      LP,
      “These perquisites are achieved without much effort, no competitive exams to pass, no routine work Monday to Friday, 9-5 or travelling in crowded buses to and from work etc. Therefore, these parasitic hordes (watch any public protest on TV to determine their dignified existence) have no qualification or suitability to advise on national policy.”
      why does one need all those qualifications, which is required (whatever specified in Position/Role requirement of that post) as you have the DIRECT LINE TO THE CREATOR, thru’ and by following Buddhist teachings, which they follow scrupulously to the letter!!!
      They don’t handle money and only get their basic livelihood necessities, food and clothing, abode is in the temples, celibacy as specified in the Buddhist doctrine to the letter, abstain from eating meat or flesh, specifically killed for consumption (others are exempted) no affiliation for earthly comforts, desires and feelings, which are abhorred OPENLY!!???
      Hence aren’t these monks and higher order UNREASONABLY, questioned, to exercise their influence in the country’s Governance!!!???? Our Lawmakers elected to the supreme Legislature – the Parliament and Executive President ‘at times’ do not have anything in excess of basic education – grade 8 qualification!!
      (TBC)

      • 4
        0

        (PART II)
        MONKS AT LEAST HAVE GUIDING POWER OF THE BUDDHIST DOCTRINE AND GOD ALMIGHTY!!??
        If one’s concern is ELECTORATE being Cattle, repeatedly keeps electing CATTLE to parliament and executive arms of the SL!! My humble suggestion, is that, then set alight to all GRASS AND PASTURE FIELDS in SL, so all the cattle would become extinct, due to starvation!!! One set of CATTLE RECOGNISES THE OTHER AND IS THE BANE OF SOCIETY!! Should you encounter any issue regarding recruitment of suitable person to execute – SETTING FIRE (?) – Lo and behold, we have BEST CHAP, adequately both qualified and experienced, to execute this job beyond expectation!!! Acquired knowledge almost 64+ years ago –destroying Paddy cultivation!!?? This person has excellent credentials and comes with good/unmatched credentials and recommendations!!
        Kill 2 birds with 1 stone!!??? Bad electorate and bad government or Governance by CATTLE!!!??
        One word of caution, NEVER LET HIM HAVE TIME TO RELAX OR REFRESH THOUGHTS: if that relaxation happens, the tendency is there to entertain ideas to join hands with the CATTLE!? Happened in October 2018 to commit ‘HARAKIRI’!!!

    • 3
      0

      (PART II)
      MONKS AT LEAST HAVE GUIDING POWER OF THE BUDDHIST DOCTRINE AND GOD ALMIGHTY!!??
      If one’s concern is ELECTORATE being Cattle, repeatedly keeps electing CATTLE to parliament and executive arms of the SL, my humble suggestion, is that, then set alight to all GRASS AND PASTURE FIELDS in SL, so all the cattle would become extinct, due to starvation!!! One set of CATTLE RECOGNISES THE OTHER AND IS THE BANE OF SOCIETY!! Should you encounter any issue regarding recruitment of suitable person to execute – SETTING FIRE (?) – Lo and behold, we have BEST CHAP, adequately both qualified and experienced, to execute this job beyond expectation!!! Acquired knowledge almost 64+ years ago –destroying Paddy cultivation!!?? This person has excellent credentials and comes with good/unmatched credentials and recommendations!!
      Kill 2 birds with 1 stone!!??? Bad electorate and bad government or Governance by CATTLE!!!??
      One word of caution, NEVER LET HIM HAVE TIME TO RELAX OR REFRESH THOUGHTS: if that relaxation happens, the tendency is there to entertain ideas to join hands with the CATTLE!? Happened in October 2018 to commit ‘HARAKIRI’!!!

  • 40
    3

    Buddhism as practiced in Sri Lanka has been a curse to the country and religion. Racism and intolerance coming from the temples have been knowing or unknowingly absorbed by the general Buddhist population and as a result the country has gone down hill since independence.

    We are complaining about politicians ruining the country, but its is the Buddhist that should take most of the blame they have been directly or indirectly been part of every ill that has befallen on this country. They have prevented all politicians from doing the right thing, including SWRD. They are responsible for the standardization in education, the pathetic state of the public sector by influencing Sinhala only the long standing issue of Tamils and the thousands of death of Tamil youth.

    • 8
      49

      Bert,

      “Buddhism as practiced in Sri Lanka has been a curse to the country and religion” Not only buddhism all religions. Look at the Tamil catholic clergy becoming a mouth piece for LTTE. Also the Kovils frequented by Lankan Tamils collected money for LTTE. So do not single out only the buddhist temples. SWRD was an out an out fraud. After the sinhala only act he tried to do a pact with Tamils where he wanted to merge North and East and give Tamils a federal state. This was disadvantages to Sinhalese (and Muslims).
      About brining death to Tamils, I think the Tamil youths killed more Tamils than the Sinhalese. Every Sinhalese and Tamil sees only the other party’s racism. Dimbulaga Chief prisent who would be a racist for you Tamils but for us sinhalese he safeguarded many sinhalese people. When he first went to Dimbulaga (FromMatara), he found the Tamil government agents had put Tamil names to sinhala children.
      eg: there were names like Piyadasage Nathan. He managed to reverse the situation. Not only did he reverse the situation he took some Tamil children too in to the monkhood. There are many brave buddhist priesents in North and East. The useless monks live mostly in the western Province. As for ruining the country you Tamils and the JVP paid your parts well.

      • 32
        5

        “Look at the Tamil catholic clergy becoming a mouth piece for LTTE. Also the Kovils frequented by Lankan Tamils collected money for LTTE.”
        Don’t even try to label the Buddhist Temple crap on Catholics and Hindu temples. Think back to 1983, Sinhala Buddhist in Colombo and neighborhood gave refuge to innocent Tamils and made homeless. Can you name a single that gave refuge? Catholic stayed with the flock, When the military discriminately bombed gave refuge in the church, when churches too were attacked they moved with the people and many priests paid with their life.
        “Dimbulaga Chief prisent who would be a racist for you Tamils but for us sinhalese he safeguarded many sinhalese people.”
        For a racist another racist will be a brother in arms but dont insult all Sinhalese.
        “Not only did he reverse the situation he took some Tamil children too in to the monkhood.”
        I pity those children.
        Don’t talk about running a country. You dont have a clue. That is why you elected a person to run a country who was not even qualified to run a gas station.

        • 26
          4

          Correction:
          “Think back to 1983, Sinhala Buddhist in Colombo and neighborhood gave refuge to innocent Tamils and made homeless. Can you name a single that gave refuge? “

          Think back to 1983, Sinhala Buddhist in Colombo and neighborhood gave refuge to innocent Tamils who were made homeless. Can you name a single Temple that gave refuge?

          • 15
            2

            Ravi
            Here is your caliber of politicians in Sri Lanka.

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDAuih05Ew

            • 3
              22

              What about you defeated Velu. Ala looooooyya

              • 23
                2

                RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela

                “What about you defeated Velu. Ala looooooyya”

                What about Velu who got rid of IPKF while your Ranavirases were hiding behind his bum?
                What about Velu winning two elections and one war for your horas.

                What about Aragalaya getting rid of your most famous Sinhala/Buddhist leader without a bullet being fired?

                Are you still keeping your head wherever it is now?

                It is time you and your Sinhala/Buddhist racist cast conscious Mahanayakes learnt the basic tenets of Buddhism and put it in practice, go around and beg for food. Instead your politicians are begging for food, fuel, …. One more thing why can’t the state sack 90% of the armed forces together with 90% of the lazy functionaries save enough to pay for medicine, education, ….

                A country that cannot feed its people has no pride in its fake civilisational claims.

                • 2
                  16

                  Thala Vedda,

                  Thank you Velu for fighting the IPKF and sending Rajiv to heaven. Ranaviruvo showed how to hide in may 2009. Haha….

                  You want the state to sack 90% of the army. You buggurs are smarting from defeat. This will not happen man, 90% of the Government servants …. yes they should be sacked.

                  Country that can not feed their people has shown that when they put their mind to something how effectively they can accomplished tasks. May 2009, of course the enemy was you fellows.

                  • 6
                    0

                    RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela

                    “You want the state to sack 90% of the army.”

                    Of course I do.
                    People have nothing to eat, no fuel, no medicine, no electricity, ….. yet you think this unemployable men can defend this island from, ….. ?
                    You ought to be ashamed of yourself for having to beg food from Demela’s of your ancestral land, loan from Hindia, another loan from Bangladesh, …. maybe some rice from Somalia which we may not know.

                    It is interesting (1) Solely elected by 6.9 Sinhala/Buddhist who was believed to have liberated the island from LTTE singlehandedly and no one to protect him, (2) even Immigration officers refused to let him leave the country, (3) and you are telling us he ……., yet you want to keep 400,000 to fight another war with Demelas, mind you the treasury does not have the money to pay even their salaries (4) the former Mahinda’s b***s carrier Udaya advised the state to pay weekly wages, …. ………………..

                    Please you better stay with your Hindians in Colombo for your three meals a day and I wonder what you are going to do after May.

                    Where is my good friend Soman?

                    Elle may want to burn down Indian built recently declared open Jaffna Cultural Centre (Saraswathie Mahal?). Since you are unemployed and unemployable will you consider helping him.

                    • 0
                      7

                      Thala Veddo,

                      You want the state to sack 90% of the Army because you are smarting from defeat.. Asking for Loans from Hindia and Bangladesh is not a shame but accepting food from thala nadu certainly is.

                      Elle will not burn anything India built. He knows what happened to Velu and the Rajive ghost.

                      BY the way I am well employed anf you are the unemployed former LTTE member now in Toronto.

                  • 6
                    0

                    RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela

                    “Country that can not feed their people has shown that when they put their mind to something how effectively they can accomplished tasks. “

                    Are you being serious?
                    Are you in Tamil Nadu?
                    Which camp, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Pondicherry, Karnataka, or ….. ?

                    • 0
                      7

                      Certainly not in the camp of Ugly …you know who…..

          • 3
            30

            It is great that no temple gave refuge to Tamils. [Edited out]

            • 24
              2

              RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela

              “It is great that no temple gave refuge to Tamils. keri demala”

              Tell us which temple was free from saffron inspired Sinhala/Buddhist attack?
              If the Sinhala/Buddhists were followers of the Awakened One and believe they are good people there would not have been so many riots from 1915 and blood baths in 1971, between 1987 and 1991 and over 30 years, and intermittent riots against Muslims, and Christians.

              You have very short and selective memory. My free advice to you take up Yoga, especially the Sirsasana posture. It might not only improve your memory it also might cleanse your hearts and mind, surely it will turn you into a human being and a good Buddhist.

              By the way was the hand out which was sent by your distant cousin Stalin useful to you, your family and your neighbors?

              • 4
                0

                This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn’t abide by our Comment policy. The key to maintaining the website as an inviting space is to focus on intelligent discussion of topics.

                For more detail see our Comment policy https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/comments-policy-2

                • 4
                  0

                  RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela

                  Keep trying you may hit the right keys.

                  “Is it really feasible that a chimpanzee with a typewriter and an infinite amount of time will be able to produce the complete works of Shakespeare?”
                  ETHICAL CONUNDRUMS
                  theguardian.com

                  It is possible, you can do it.

            • 5
              1

              True Buddhist ,you see how

        • 4
          29

          “Don’t even try to label the Buddhist Temple crap on Catholics”
          How dare you talk like this.

          In 1983 many Sinhalese provided refuge to their Tamil friends. We ourselves kept 3 families. one of them later on went to Canada and became an active Kotiya.

          About your crappy churchs being bombed.. ofcourse what else do you expect to do when you harbour terrorists.

          About appointing a man not suitable to run a gas station… haha.. smarting from defeat. You are a defeated group of people.

          Calling Dimbulagal priest a racist, yes he is one when it came to tamils, no different to most of the sinhalese. Remember what JR said, if we starve the tamils , the sinhalese will be happy. That is spot on.

          • 24
            2

            Your family gave refuge to three Thamizh families in 1983! Please do not make me laugh. From your constant deranged evil anti-Thamizh rantings, most probably it
            definitely would have been the opposite, with family in the forefront, at the burning, looting and destruction of three Thamizh homes. The family gave refuge my foot. Tell us something more believable.

          • 20
            1

            RAVI PERERA the Sinhala Speaking Demela

            “Remember what JR said, if we starve the tamils , the sinhalese will be happy. “

            Do I have to jog your memory JR too is just like you a Sinhala Speaking Demela, a recent convert to Sinhala/Buddhism or Sinhala/Buddhist racism?

            You are proud that Sinhala/Buddhists provided refuge to victim of racial violence, which were planned riots, with the blessing of Saffron Brigades and protection of the armed forces and Police.

            You should only be proud when riots and violence against innocent people are altogether stopped and never allowed to recur.
            You racist lot do not have the heart or the b***s to stop riots. For you lot, riots are just like lottery winnings, windfall profits.

            In fact the Sinhala/Buddhists benefited more from Thiruvengadam Velupillai Prabaharan than any other people.

            • 10
              1

              NV,
              JRJ was the best example of the Sinhala Buddhists (SB) of this country!!! Who else could be a better example???? ‘THAMBI MUDALI’ lineage from beyond Western Ghats’ range, South Western India!!! Befitting and best exponent of Sinhala Buddhism in SL!!? He was adopted SB because claims being part of 2600+ culture and SB civilisation!!!
              Any other would be tantamount to become an Imposter!! I mean Sri Lankan Sinhala Buddhist without compare!!!

            • 1
              5

              “In fact the Sinhala/Buddhists benefited more from Thiruvengadam Velupillai Prabaharan than any other people”

              Of course…. the biggest being Rajive Ghost..

  • 15
    2

    Upali Gajanayake’s voice should reverberate in you mind if you truly love the country.

  • 6
    0

    Should A Country Be Governed By As Sangha Says?

    Any one can Govern and those who govern should win the hearts of the people because he dealt with their true feelings. They should put things correct not rule the avoidance of fraud and economic
    exploitation, absence of violence, But all this happened no one governed.

    • 2
      0

      RBH59,
      “They should put things correct not rule the avoidance of fraud and economic exploitation, absence of violence, But all this happened no one governed.”
      All were exposed to HYPER entertainment, by the events unfolding in 1977 and 1983, so that the Army, Navy, Air force and Police together “Standing side by side” in Solidarity waited on the sidelines with ‘Baited Breath’ and watched the unfolding events and were able to welcome and support continuance of the mesmerising events by cheering and tacit support!!!???
      They (Government) GOVERNED AT ITS BEST (CONTINUED PILFERING OF THE PUBLIC PURCE INCLUDED) – not the marauding citizenry – but the victims to follow the diktats of the so-called government and security forces and convinced they did their duty by the electorate!!!
      They did govern and perform WITH NOTHING BUT MALICE!!!
      What else could you term that as??? Did I mutter asinine?? MY MISTAKE SORRY FOR BLURTING IMPROPRIETY!!!
      WHAT FOR THE TELLING DEAR FELLOW CITIZENS, THIS THRICE BLESSED LAND, with 2600 + years of culture and civilisation!!!
      “BHUDDAM SARANANG GACHCHAMI”

  • 6
    3

    Gota blessed by and persuade to be Hitler

    • 0
      0

      The person who made that pronouncement is the most eligible to contest as EP!!??? When he becomes so, he could then by example show what Hitler did to the people of the world and especially Germany and the aftermath experienced by Germany post WWII, Separated and partitioned for Hitler’s performance before becoming economic power in 1980’s – 40-50 years of suffering, tears and suffering thereto!!!
      This emancipated personae, should accept the mistake in that pronouncement and apologise to the public and especially to the electorate in misleading them to believe GOTA was the solution, to lead SL to vistas of Prosperity, Splendour and Eternal Salvation!?
      ACHIEVED THE OPPOSITE!!!??? HAPPY???

  • 10
    5

    Monks should entailed to have driving licence without testing
    Next prez election these Mullas should contests rather than going behind

  • 12
    1

    Should A Country Be Governed By As Sangha Says?The answer is definitely No, It is not democracy. Let sangha influence, but the people should make their own decisions. Let democracy prevails.

    • 1
      0

      SK,
      All these Monks and Maha Nayakes are highly educated, aided by institutions such as Vidyalankara, Vidyodaya and Buddhist and Pali Universities (Virtual Talents of UNDERGRADUATES were on exposition in January 2023 public to gauge their acumen) around the country, under the auspices of the Government, are Emancipated and Intelligent too!!!
      INSTEAD OF BEING ON THE SIDELINES AND INFLUENCING, CAUSING CHAOS, THEY SHOULD BE INVITED TO DO THE DIFFICULT TASKS, BEING QUESTIONED BY THESE ENLIGHTEND, TO BECOME, PM, FINANCE MINISTER, GOVERNOR OF CBSL, TO SHOWCASE THEIR ABILITY – AUTHORITY INTRINCICALLY COUPLED WITH RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUTABILITY!!!??
      The best outcome in this situation and WITHIN 3-5 YEARS, THE INNOCENCE OF THESE ‘EXALTED’ BUDDHIST MONKS AND ABILITY TO GOVERN – BE PROVED BEYOND ALL REASONALE DOUBT!!??
      Near East/West Asia, we are able to see the outcome of governance by religious elite, trained in their own educational institutes and Universities – THE TALIBAN RULING IN AFGHANISTAN – FOR 1+ YEARS AND RESULTS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED
      Proof of the quality of the PUDDING is in the EATING!!???

  • 13
    2

    “Such governments are especially dangerous for ethnic and religious minorities.”

    I wish to disagree with the above statement. It is not only only dangerous for ethnic and religious minorites but it is dangerous to the majority Sinhalese as well and the whole country. Sri Lanka is good example that the religious fundamentalism of the 75 years is the primary reason the bankgruptcy of the country and people. It is now more proportionally more buddhist Sinhala people affected or face vulnerability and suffering are poor buddhist Sinhala people, not the Buddhist Fundamentalists.

    • 1
      0

      Ajith,
      6 weeks have passed since starvation and misery!!!?? FORGOTTEN!!?

  • 16
    2

    A well written article by Upali Gajanayake gone through the obstacles paused by by the religious factions especially by the Buddhist monks since the independence. During the helm of Sihala Hela Urumaya and subsequently Jathika Hela Urumaya lead by Patali Champika Ranawaka with Athuraliye Rathana removed Late S L Gunesekera from the post of secretary made him devastated and he cried during a television interview. Late S L Gunesekera was totally cut up with Ranil Wickremesinghe and branded him as “Serial Loser”. Right from the independence our national leaders were not serious about driving the country towards economic prosperity. The trend of economic decline is continuing as people can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Undue prominence had been given to religions had put the development of the country in the back seat.

    • 17
      2

      Buddhism in SL is distorted & entwined with the Sinhala race. The gullible public have been duped by hypocritic politicians like SWRD who have given the opportunity for monks to rewrite Buddhism to suit them. In fact, even in the 21st century, the masses still believe in folklore as Buddhist philosophy. Many Buddhists seek blessings from Hindu gods & visit Katharagama & other Hindu kovils. A Buddhist temple in London even has a separate Katharagama devale’ in its premises for the ‘convenience’ of its Buddhist congregation. We tolerate thugs in robes & the politicians have benefitted from political monks, using them to influence the average voter.

      In the times of ancient kings, the ‘pirvena’ was the place for teachings, therefore, the monks were considered wiser but today, can any of the monks who move around SUVs & limos, considered wise, when they even do not seem to know the fundamentals of Buddhism? In my understanding of Buddhism, a monks is a person who has given up material wealth & there are foreigners who have embraced Buddhism who do just that but if the SL monks believe they have a patriotic duty to safeguard the country, then they should do so after leaving robes because it is in contradiction with Buddhist philosophy.

      • 3
        13

        “…hypocritic politicians like SWRD who have given the opportunity for monks to rewrite Buddhism to suit them”
        E-UK, can you tell me when SWRDB did that?
        The government that pampered the Buddhist clergy and even legislated the ‘Buddhist working week’ in 1965 was headed by none other than Dudley Senanayake whose 7-party coalition included the FP and the ACTC.
        Please show some respect for facts.
        *
        Why do we pick on Buddhism and Islam only? How good is Christian tolerance in Europe? (I include Protestant v. Catholic conflicts too.)
        *
        What the Buddhist establishment is up to here is no good. But let that not be cause for others to take the moral high ground to claim to be any holy.

        • 2
          12

          ” In fact, even in the 21st century, the masses still believe in folklore as Buddhist philosophy.”
          Does it not happen with ‘Hinduism’?
          How much of Christian belief is based on fact?
          *
          Frankly, it is the myth and mythology that make religion less boring. They have been the stuff of many a great hit movie!

          • 8
            1

            Does it not happen with ‘Hinduism’?
            so what?

        • 14
          0

          China’s aging man in Sri Lanka

          “E-UK, can you tell me when SWRDB did that?”

          Have people forgotten about the grouping of Sinhalese political society – the Sangha (Clergy), Veda (Physicians), Guru (Teachers), Govi (Farmers) and Kamkaru (Workers) and the consequences?

          “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt”
          ― Mark Twain

    • 1
      9

      PK
      Do you have tears to shed for SLG, and do you really respect his political opinions?

  • 19
    3

    For Tamils, Hinduism is a part of life, it never dominated nor influenced the political stage. For Sinhalese, sadly budhisam has become their life. Mixing the Religion with politics is toxic, we are experiencing the results already. 75 years of stupidity is enough, Lasantha Pethiyagoda has narrated it fantastically. We have had Nothing other than spineless Sinhalese leaders for 75 years but not a single patriot leader who loves the nation. Make Sri Lanka into 5 federations separate the religion from politics – in no time Sri Lanka Will by pass many countries in Asia. I know I am dreaming, however it’s a good dream.

    • 0
      11

      SMKKY
      Can we ask SRH Hoole to confirm your story on Hinduism and politics.
      I share several of his doubts, although not all.
      I am aware that religion played a role in the entry of Sir P Ramanathan into politics.

    • 5
      0

      SMKKY,
      “Make Sri Lanka into 5 federations separate the religion from politics – in no time Sri Lanka Will bypass many countries in Asia. I know I am dreaming, however it’s a good dream.”
      Panacea, resolves all ill-conceived malaise and daydreams!!!
      Sinhalese would not ever enable divorce Buddhism to be dislodged from foremost place in SL!!!??
      Hence unworkable!!!
      So they are following the premier Buddhist principals’ for the clergy (Monks) that they should have no monetary wealth but await the goodwill and graciousness of their ‘Dayakas’ for food and essentials!!!? They (Monks) are therefore extending that precept to the citizenry of this country to that facility – extending the “Begging Bowl” to their neighbours (fortunate Hindia has “Neighbourhood First Policy”) and make sure you ‘MILK IT’ to the MAXIMUM, even if it comes from “Toilet Nadu” as preferably referred by these Patriots and compatriots Sri Lankan elitists, before “Change of Mind” and it turns off!!!
      After that we have Amba Yaluwo, China and thereafter the rest of the world!!??
      We will become the exponent of Buddhist way of living a sustainable life, without much work and stress!!! Total and utter dependence of the ‘Begging Bowl’ for emancipation of Sri Lankans!!??
      (TBC)

    • 2
      0

      (Part II)
      That’s the sole reason, we have claimed in the NEW HISTORICAL ELUCIDATION, PRINCE SIDHARTHA, Gautama, the Buddha was not born and/or attained enlightenment in Buddha ‘GAYA‘ in NORTH CENTRAL INDIA but in the ever glorious pristine island – Resplendent Sri Lanka!!!?? Why should the credit go to India??? No good things happen without Sinhalese Buddhists (SB) initiation or in Sri Lanka!!! Complemented by our 2600+ years of Culture and Civilisation make Sri Lanka the best country of domicile and destination without compare – off and on entertaining migration to greener pastures to overcome boredom and destitute living!!?? Once overseas re-evaluate prospects and stay away from Sri Lanka!!!??? THAT IS THE EXCELLENT DEMONSTRATION OF OUR PATRIOTISM!!!??? Sri Lankans are very good at, NO SANER COUNSEL DISPUTES IT!!!???
      MIRACLE!!!??

  • 11
    0

    The world is watching the drama that is being staged by Buddhist clergy ,
    Politicians and some other Boot licking Public and Private organisations
    in our country . According to some accounts , there are about 15 % of Atheists
    among world population ! This is more than World Hindus and more than
    World Buddhists that are standing respectively 13% and 12 % . People are
    waking up in a new world everyday either in prosperity or in poverty . The
    technology has narrowed down the chances of one misleading the other
    with the right question and answer and at the touch of a button ! The wise ,
    educated and the civilised ones quickly took hold of the development . The
    Beggars can not afford it because , it is a Luxury . But Beggars found an
    alternative ! Hide Behind Myth , created and oiled for them by the very
    leaders they relied on for decades or even centuries ! Such is the forces of
    the Clergy combined Politics ! In 1971 J R J and India helped Sirimavo
    defeat the insurgency . Today Mahinda and Ranil joined hands to crush the
    protests . And now , their thug forces have been called out to report to duty !

    • 2
      6

      “In 1971 J R J and India helped Sirimavo defeat the insurgency .”
      Are you sure?
      The premature attack was stillborn. The leader is said to have made sure that he was arrested before the adventure. The CID manipulated the JVP to launch an attack without a proper plan.
      The attempt to kidnap Sirimavo flopped and that signalled the end of the uprising.
      Many insurgents were callously killed by the forces.
      What was JRJ’s role?
      Did any foreign country get involved in combat action?
      Indian support was at best a morale booster, and was appreciated.

      • 0
        0

        What do you think opposition role at the time ? Even J R son
        was taken to the fourth floor but yet , opposition had a duty
        to stand by a democratically elected government when there
        was a conspiracy by a third party . In my memory , Indian
        police was called up to guard the capital , especially the Temple
        trees , to release the local forces to protect the rest of the country!
        We didn’t have a big Army and police by then . My whole point is
        when there’s a threat to the rulers , they all unite to defeat it , no
        matter , party , religion or outsider ! And this time around , a local
        body election looks like threatening them , and so , their buddies
        the yellow brigade is in action ! The trick is quite obvious but who
        cares ? Bloodbath is what is expected by everyone because mouth
        power has already gone out of control of the corrupt ! Pocket power
        slipped to the lowest ever ! What else is left now ? Intimidation !

      • 6
        0

        China’s aging man in Sri Lanka

        “Did any foreign country get involved in combat action?”

        Hindians provided troops to guard key installations.
        Hindians also bombed s**t out of members of JVP who were hiding in caves around Avissawella and Kegalle area, I was told.

        “What was JRJ’s role?”

        What was Siri Mao’s role?
        A mass murderer, a female Pol Pot, ………… who was the prime minister of Sri Lanka at the time, ….

    • 5
      1

      What has God got to do with religion I do not know.
      One is spiritual the other is carnal and man made .
      One is sells love and the other is sold by politicians for votes.

      As far as history Romans cannot claim Christ the Jewish carpenter without the Jews laughing at them….. as they do
      And Sri lanka cannot claim Buddhism of the Indian prince without the Indians laughing at them….. as they do
      The same goes for the Muslims and Hindus whenever they think they own Gods message or messenger to the universe.

      75 years is a long long time for 6.9 Mn to be fooled !

  • 16
    0

    The first thing Mao did when he took power ……. put all the Buddhist priests to work to earn their keep ……. once they had done a honest day’s work they could attend to their flock if they wanted to. Look at where China is today!

    The last emperor Puyi ended up as a gardener in his own palace.

    I’ll believe only in a Lankan leader who does that …….. put Mahinda, Gota, Ranil, Basil, CBK, ……… to collect the rotting garbage in the streets ……. and all the priests to till the fields ……. then they would be really developing the country according to their capacities. That would be real public service: if they are so keen to serve the people.


    Native might be peeved Mao ended up as the new emperor …….. but that’s another story ……..

    • 4
      7

      “When Puyi was extradited from the USSR in 1950, he was put on trial as a war criminal for aiding the Japanese. Many expected execution (those suffered in Manchuria certainly wanted him dead), including Puyi himself, but instead he was put in jail for ‘re-education’. This decision came directly from Mao and Zhou Enlai. In jail he was known as Prisoner 981, and apparently treated quite well.

      After 10 years in jail, Mao pardoned him, and gave him a job at the Beijing Botanical Garden as a researcher, where he worked and lived as a common citizen for rest of his life.

      There is a very famous story that Mao invited Puyi to dinner for 1962 Chinese New Year, and joked about being his subject a few decades ago, and encouraged him to marry again. I think this is the only time those two met.”
      [A story that seems close to fact. But fiction is always more interesting.]

      • 0
        0

        SJ,
        It is interesting reading your accounts!!!
        This one EXCELS!!
        Probably heard it never before???

    • 7
      0

      Nimal, sounds like Lanka special Rehabilitation ???? unless, emperor to gardener is considered, some form of a occupational / vocational rehab ( re-education ??? so much to learn from Mao’s China, including rehab of priests)

  • 10
    1

    Afghanistan is ruled by Taliban, Iran by Ayatollahs Pakistan is ruled by the Military
    Sri Lanka being wonder of Asia is doing better They are ruled by the Monks and the Military and politicians with no basic qualifications

  • 5
    8

    “…there is information released every day in our world about the suppression of civil liberties in all states controlled by religious fundamentalism.. Such governments are especially dangerous for ethnic and religious minorities.”
    Fair enough.
    Should we not add the Jewish state of Israel high on the the list.
    The Hindu state of Nepal even before its declaration as secular in 2015 was just as tolerant towards its Buddhist and other religious minorities than its bigger secular neighbour has been towards its Muslim minoroty.
    How does one explain the surge of neofascism in Europe?
    How does one explain the surge of anti-Islamic hatred in Scandinavia?
    *
    Is there not something more fundamental than religion at work?

  • 6
    2

    In my very early 20s I stayed in a colobo vihara buddhist priest was cousin of half ceylonese tamil friend. I was then very naive – sheltered upbringing. I paid something for my stay, cant recollect how much. The buddhist priest use to give me money to buy alcohol arrack for him regularly. During the short stay there during a sinhala man was SHOUTING nearly the whole night for a few nights at the Vihara. Was worried it was because of me! Priest said NOT me the issue

  • 7
    1

    Cambodia’s mass merderer Pol Pot is an EX Buddhist Monk. In Myarma / Burma buddhist monks waere actively involved in burning muslim houses and throwing LIVE muslim children/ babies into the burning houses to be killed

  • 7
    2

    May the sinhala land buddhist monks flourish and control sinhala land because then it will keep the sinhalas perpetually in their CURRENT PARLOUS position nationally and internationally which will be of IMMENCE benefit to the ceylonese tamils

  • 8
    0

    If all Buddhist monks had practiced their faith properly the county would have overtaken Singapore economically and peacefully shared power with Tamil people.

  • 5
    0

    A very candid presentation by the essayist.Separating Religion from the State in Srilanka is a Herculean task. Buddhism received foremost place in the Republican Constitution drafted by Dr.Colvin.R.de.Silva.In the earlier days the likes of him chanted Religion is the opium of the masses………Be that as it may….

    With this economic downturn and Srilanka plunging down to reach Failed State status, the time is ripe to commence clipping the wings of the Saffron Brigade. This is the only way out to get on track.
    Who will bell the cat?

  • 1
    0

    Who will bell the cat?
    The answer is None.

  • 4
    0

    A lot of people have said a lot of things, but I am not in that lot.
    I am a true sinhala govi buddhist from deep South.
    I know you will expect me to side with the sinhala buddhist monks therefore, regardless of the truth.
    Sadly I am not an emotional idiot who would support the idiotic yellow pets come-whst-may.
    I maybe from the deep South, but I am a citizen of the world and a member of the human race above all.
    Therefore it is my honest option that yellow pets should stay I the confines of the temples and teach Dharma instead of involving themselves with politics.
    Sorry to bust your bubble….

    • 3
      1

      HT,
      “I am a true SINHALA GOVI BUDDHIST from deep South.
      I am a CITIZEN OF THE WORLD and MEMBER OF THE HUMAN RACE above all.”
      Interesting COMBINATION!!!???

    • 2
      2

      Exactly, Mahila.
      .
      The contradictions in that!
      .
      None of us is perfect, but can’t the “anonymous-to-you” HT, start by trying to correct that?
      .
      I observe the rules set by HT. I will not trumpet his name even to this comfortable little of Colombo Telegraph readers. Actually, even if I did, he wouldn’t be as bothered about it as “leelagemalli“.
      .
      I have sent HT the full PDF text of the book by Palihakkara referred to here:
      .
      https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/buddhism-pure/
      .
      Anybody else wanting it for free? Ask and I shall.
      .
      HT once told me that re-incarnation is an indispensable part of Buddhism. I asked him to read that book, (already with him) which says otherwise. He asked me why I haven’t read the entire book. Well, I don’t crow about Buddhism, but I know something of the contents of the book from the summary presented by Sarvan.
      .
      Getting back to HT’s first sentence: “govi“? What Gauthama attacked most vigorously in the Hindu “religion” he was born into was caste. And here’s HT boasting about belonging to the “govigama caste”!
      .
      “Please vote NPP at LGE on 09/03/2023”. 2023? – Oh, that’s Christian era!
      .
      Panini (“never been outside Asia”) Edirisinhe (NIC 483111444V)

      • 0
        0

        Sorry, “leelagemalli”.
        .
        I notice a typo:
        .
        Please turn the phrase, “this comfortable little of Colombo Telegraph readers. into
        .
        “this comfortable little world of Colombo Telegraph readers”
        .
        “How can an English teacher make mistakes in English?” is the sort of question that LM is likely to ask.
        .
        Two observations that I would make:
        .
        (1) Anyone can make mistakes
        .
        (2) I’m not an English teacher any more. I have retired.
        .
        That is why I occasionally put this designation at the bottom of some comments:
        .
        “VishramikaGambadaIngirisiIskoleMahaththaya” (NIC 483111444V)

    • 1
      0

      H T ,

      Your comment , in my lab , under the microscope I found this :
      You are desperate to become a Human Race , so I believe ,
      you must be from True , Govi , Sinhala , Buddhist and Deep South !
      And only a Truthful can announce on a forum like this , that his
      idiotic yellow pets must be confined to teaching Dharma in
      Temples ! What a Devout True Govi , Sinhala , Deep South Buddhist !
      You , by all means , want to announce boldly that you love to hear
      Idiots Preaching Dharma in Temples ! Lab report is , you are a True
      Buddhist ! Happy ?

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