
By Ameer Ali –
“It would be a crucial weakness”, wrote Professor Ven. Walpola Rahula (1907-1997), “if you do not express your honest and forthright views fearing public opposition. Persons seeking personal gain, glory, praise and power are reluctant to go against public sentiment by expressing their honest opinion”. I quoted these words when I reviewed in this journal on 22 March 2019 the English translation of his Sinhala publication Sathyodaya. Even before that review and in another piece titled, “Sangha Needs Cleansing”, appeared in Colombo Telegraph (12 April 2018), I ventured to say, “When religion is politicised religious leaders lose their spiritual charisma and religious institutions become partisan players among competing political forces. This has been the sad story of Buddhism and its apex institution, Sangha, ever since SWRD began to exploit that religion and its monks to win his political battles.” Although Buddhism, like every other faith in Asia, is not a religion in the Western sense politicians have reduced the dhamma into a ritualistic tamasha to gain political advantage.
Buddhism is a blessing to Sri Lanka. Sangha is its protector and promoter. Throughout the history of this country, services rendered by this institution to rulers and the ruled and to every other creation are unique and incomparable. Likewise, Sangha’s warnings, advice and guidance to holders and executors of power kept the regimes in check from going astray, prevented misrule and ensured peace and tranquility in this island of riches. There was of course the usual struggle for political power among rivalling personalities and dynasties, but that struggle was never allowed to escalate into wider chaos, causing agony and distress to the wider community.
Sangha’s unrelenting commitment not simply to preach Buddhism but to demonstrate its virtues of simplicity, compassion, tolerance and kindness through its members personal behaviour and lifestyle added moral attraction and strength to the regimes in power.
No wonder then that the Sangha in the past carried so much respect and veneration not only from local Buddhists but even from believers of other faiths. It was that milieu of true Buddhism, which made the island economically prosperous and culturally glorious, and it was that combination of virtuosity and resplendence and not simply the “beauty of the faces of its women”, which prompted the 8th century Umayyad Governor of Iraq, Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, to describe Sri Lanka Jeziratul Yaqut or Island of Rubies.
What was even more significant in the history of the Sangha is its readiness to cleanse itself whenever signs of distraction or deviation in its committed path were detected. Outspoken critics and reformers from within that institution emerged from time to time to protect the purity of Buddhism as well as the integrity of its guardians.
Such was the role for example played by that incredible reformer Weliwita Saranankara Sangharaja Thero in the 18th century, when he witnessed an aristocracy or ganinnnanses dominating the Buddha sasana and were more interested in rituals and worldly concerns than in exegesis of texts and original teachings of the master. He spearheaded the reorganization of Buddhism in Kandy and redirected members of the Sangha on the noble pursuit of seeking and spreading the true message of the Buddha.
The same was the role of Ven. Walpola Rahula during our times who was forthright in condemning the intrusion of casteism which had divided the Sangha into different segments. His interpretation of the concept of Nibbana as an achievable status for every human irrespective of his or her faith is a uniting and revolutionary message for a culturally heterogenous Sri Lanka.
It is in light of this proud historical background that one feels astounded at today’s silence of the Sangha when members of its community indulge in activities that are totally demeaning and destructive of that institution’s illustrious reputation. There are plenty of recorded instances in recent past where the behaviour of certain monks was utterly disrespectful even to the robe they wear. How could the Mahanayakas tolerate such behaviour?
In the name of consultation with the Sangha the current regime seems to have successfully subdued that institution by awarding its members with special privileges and luxury lifestyles to remain supportive of the rulers.
Nowhere has this subservience been demonstrated more clearly and of course disturbingly than in the silence of the Sanga over the appointment by the President of an ex-prisoner and rabble rouser Gnanasara Thero to preside over the One Country One Law Task Force. While every quarter of the polity irrespective of its ethnic, religious or political orientation has questioned the suitability of this person to that position, which requires at least a modicum of knowledge about law, Sangha seems to have no qualms in endorsing the President’s choice. Even if a Buddhist monk were to fill that position, is the Sangha so bankrupt of credible candidates?
Besides, the hidden agenda behind this task force seems to be the continuation of portraying the Muslim community as the latest villains of peace and to deflect the rising tide of popular discontent over the regime’s lengthening catalogue of failures. Another anti-Muslim riot would be a welcoming distraction and an opportunity to strengthen the militarized state of Gotabaya. Monk Gnanasara is the best man to accomplish that task. Does Sangha want to be his accomplice?
This task force is another instrument in reducing the minorities into sub-nationals. The long-term consequence of such moves in the name of creating a Sinhala Buddhist state would be detrimental to the very “vistas of prosperity and splendour” trumpeted by the President. Sooner the Sangha rise up to the occasion and help to halt this unfolding tragedy better for its own reputation and that of the country at large.
*Dr. Ameer Ali, School of Business & Governance, Murdoch University, Western Australia
GATAM / November 13, 2021
Sangha are part of it. They secretly extend their full support to ultra racist G-Sara.
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Dinuk / November 14, 2021
Ameer: How does a US citizen present the National Budget of Sri Lanka in the Parliament?
Is this not a scandal that must be covered up by Dividing and Distracting the people with racist Un-Buddhist Monks on commissions? Who benefits from and who has weaponized religion in the past? Please read the book; “Cold War Monks: Buddhism and America’s Secert Strategy in Southeast Asia” (Yale UP 2017), including Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is ruled today by American citizens, first families of Basil and Goat Rajapaksa. The Sinhala Buddhist Diaspora has been weaponized against the interests of the people of Sri Lanka and to serve US Deepstate military-business interests, and stage a Buddhist-Muslim Clash of Civilizations to distract us, also from the sale of Kerawelapitiya power plant that compormizes Lankan national security to US New Fortress Company under Covid-19 lockdowns to prevent protests.
The US is waging a mighty propaganda war aginst China which is increasingly isolated and withdrawn in order to re-colonize the Indian Ocean region with its European and Anglo allies using the Covid-mask.. Lets not fall for the project.
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Nathan / November 13, 2021
The Sangha serves its political masters. The day its members entered into politics it lost its credibility. An article on its silence is for those who eke out an existence making news. Not for Ameer Ali.
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leelagemalli / November 14, 2021
Nathan,
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Rajapakshe politics changed it dramatically. Sanagaya was hired for their political parades in election campaigns. After grabbing power, as Nandaseeni is doing it all, offered them the titles and any other perks, as if srilanka is Rajapkshe family properites.
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Gota, prior to ELECTION, held pompous empty promises that he would never allow any of his man to become responsible ministers, but uneducated bugger did the same so as his pimpy LOKU aiyya. However, Gota s speed is exceeding compare to the levels of his power intoxicated Brother Mahinda. And Gota does not seem to know the gravity of harm being continued by him … today…
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Sanga most wearing various titles have become no different to ROAD side prostitutes in SL today. However, stupid people continue with their Alms givings ona nd on.. it has become a lucrative job today…. the saddest reality… I did not go to fall myself on the floor and worship them this time… BECAUSE my conscience repeats that SRILANKEN sangayasa re pattapal horu.. except for few monks who are meditating in forests.
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davidthegood / November 13, 2021
Dr.AA, Sangha too are ordinary humans in yellow robes like other religious leaders in their prescribed garments. Why would they express political views and get hammered when their needs are fully met in their present given lifestyle. They have votes to cast like all other humans and get sick and die like all of us.
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Eagle Eye / November 13, 2021
“This has been the sad story of Buddhism and its apex institution, Sangha, ever since SWRD began to exploit that religion and its monks to win his political battles.”
—
Rubbish!
Buddhist monks have played a crucial role in protecting this country and protecting the interests of Sinhala Buddhists for thousands of years. Buddhist monks who know the pulse of the people act according to their wishes. So, Buddhist Monks stand with politicians who care for the country and Sinhala Buddhists. Sinhale has been a Sinhala Buddhist country for thousands of years and there is nothing wrong with trying to keep it that way. It is not exploitation of Buddhism and its apex institution, Sangha.
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There is a concerted effort to remove Buddhist monks from the role they have been playing in this country for thousands of years.
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Janaka from Matara / November 13, 2021
Buddhist monks favored rulers good for the Mahavihara establishment. How was that all great dagaba’s were left to go into ruination till the British found them and initiated their re-establishment?
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leelagemalli / November 14, 2021
J from Matara,
.
Go to Kelaniya Temple and notice its ruination today.
Compared to other temples in the region, Kelaniya Raja Mahaviharaya is reached to all devastating levels today. At least DERANA TV owner – and his black institutions should pour funds to renovate the Viharaya.. because these men should ever be indebted to that Viharaya.. which saved Rajakashes. Derana TV is the sailine supplier to Rajapkashe Rogues for their comeback.
:
So you will see, not just the total ignornace of colonial masters, but also today s BPs and their vicious acts cause SRILANKEN BUDDHIST structures turning out to be ruination.
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Somapala / November 14, 2021
Rubbish of an old racist as expected. Wish you will be reborn soon in ‘apaya’ for the discord you spread among human beings.
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Eagle Eye / November 13, 2021
“There are plenty of recorded instances in recent past where the behaviour of certain monks was utterly disrespectful even to the robe they wear. How could the Mahanayakas tolerate such behaviour?”
—
There are few rogues among clergy in any religion. Do not try to blow few isolated incidences out of proportion.
What actions have been taken against Mullahs who stockpiled swords in their Mosques? Are they using those swords to cut grass in Mosques where there are no grass at all?
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old codger / November 14, 2021
Eagle,
Since you seem to know so much about the Sangha, would you tell us the name of that monk who, along with a Navy officer, raped a 15 year old the other day?
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leelagemalli / November 13, 2021
Srilanken SANGAYA was always silent, if they did not become decorative animals to Rajapakshe style politics. They are good at tying PIRITH NOOLE for any low lives but the knowledge of them are not far different to any average rural villager that would tatoo ” RAJAPAKSHE PENIS” on their chests.
Today only GHANASARA is placed above while ATHANA METHANA NATANA RATHANA Aand other yellow pets are marignalised from their headline voice cuts. This is being held going by a “script” for survival politics of MEDAMULANA criminals.
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Few days ago, I left srilanka back to europe; so my eyes could not believe what I was compelled to see in our mother land. Wheever I went to – near to colombo, there were various kind of ques for fuel and daily needs. Some social media brought videos ” we would not have faced this, if DA Rajapakshe was asked to use condoms”…. my gosh…. people’s agonies have gone up to its peaks as no times in the past. Not a single person I spoke to sounded fine about Rajapakshes. The very same was the case in the last phase of Mugabe in Zimbabwe or Gadafi family shortly before they were found dead in drains.
To be ctd
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Simon / November 14, 2021
Hi LM: Since you left S/L, so many events took place. Watch the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYCRvuWISLo
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leelagemalli / November 14, 2021
Bro Simon,
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This video is no longer available.
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Blind dog is barking.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ4fxj5n5VI
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This man s self glorifications would not last long… wait and see.
.
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leelagemalli / November 14, 2021
Gota does not seem to know what his lips drop down….. he starts to talk about HAMBANTOTA harbor, but continue about the developement of COLOMBO harbour… entire world knew about cmbo harbour and its importance…. the kind of ballige puthas became our leaders… curse should go to Ratathanakola eaters of this country.
:
Those who challenged me from CMBO university prior to last election (2019), scratch thei ears today…. those company directors argued Gota to be a ” diliverer” could not see in my eyes this time…
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All in all, they are all becoming clear, that they walked after a miracle knnowing GOTA s capablities are not all its cracked upto be. My anger is SO CALLED BUDDHIST CLERGY to stay further mum… even if all is now damaged and being damaged by the bunch of criminals.
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leelagemalli / November 14, 2021
Hi Simon,
May I know if you met numerous that got Rajapakshe tattooed on their chests .. i mean among the Kadamandiya people … or any other peoples in that part of srilanka ?
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I think people are caught by self-glorifications telecasted /broadcasted by TV channels.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFwwMRuzLKM
.
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Bert / November 13, 2021
“Buddhism is a blessing to Sri Lanka. Sangha is its protector and promoter. “
Are you really serious??
This is what happens when you ordain little children, then don’t give them proper education nor teach them discipline. Now you got thugs in robes. Don’t know to behave, don’t know to talk so they do what they know do the bidding of politicians while kissing their ssa.
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davidthegood / November 15, 2021
Bert, Sangha ordain ignorant children who grow up clueless. GMOA requested GR for their sons as doctors at 22 years and tell me who would go to them for medicine. Foolish to think sangha have solutions while they are deeply entrenched in unchanging casteism of Malwathu, Asgiri in Siyam nikaya looking down on Amarapura nikaya as inferior. The rest cannot join any nikaya. How can there be any unification or even dream of reconciliation . Equality and equal protection of the law is only possible in a secular state.
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leelagemalli / November 13, 2021
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Most of SRILANKEN so called buddhist monks have not the least knowledge about anything, but some knowledge in Pali and Sanskrit like the parrots are trained to speak at some house holds in rural srilanka. The place grabed by them in the society – keeping them above the law, has eroded entire social structure in my country. With Madagoda cheevaradhariya, Iththakanda DONKY and few others that DANCED for the tune of mlechcha Rajapakshes in their political parades being left on the waiting lists, positions of higher respect are offered to some backlicking monks. All because then only, mlechcha Rajapakshes can send any powerful voices to hibenatoin mode.
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To my eyes, once upon a time, this country was a place to be visited, but today, it has become like KELANIYA PANSALA PREMISES which looked as if it is deserted by people, since total attraction to the once sacred place is now ruined by direct mediation of RAJAPKSHES and their political gains.
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MyView / November 13, 2021
Dear Dr Ali.
Well documented analysis.
This is not a surprising feature as Buddhist Philosophy is centred around “impermanence”.
…It arises, changes and disappears. According to Buddhism, everything in human life, ALL objects, as well as all beings whether in heavenly or hellish or earthly realms in Buddhist cosmology, is always changing, inconstant, undergoes rebirth and Samsara…….
Even philosophies and theories, characterwise and applicability, change over time. There will always be decay and ‘arising’. (Arising here is not that the “same” will arise but the indestructibility of total energy.)
Since this is universal to the Philosophy, the decay in the value of “Sangha” is not unexpected, gradually. Because the Sangha embraced earthly addictions instead of being ‘spiritual guides’, they lost their moral stature much faster.
But instead of being guided by Sangha, ‘everchanging’ has brought out immense knowledge and reasoning power to many and they can now think for themselves about oneself, accept new ideas and philosophies, and move forward. You do not need that much spiritual guidance. That is why that earlier must go to temple attitude is fading. Without that, there is enough for one in the realm of knowledge to seek your own future.
Humanity has advanced and only rational thinking and discernment is necessary.
Unfortunately, the corrupt politicos have placed the Sangha on a pedestal.
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Sampath Sam / November 13, 2021
The Sanga of the present-day Sri Lanka does not have clarity on what it means to be a Sinhala Buddhist Country.
Sanga’s silence over anything and everything related to Gnanasara is due to the fear of the caste privilege the Sanga has over its own low casts segment, to which Gnanasara is giving voice and Gnanasara is alleging that the Sanga is not standing for low caste segments. It is true that Sanga failed historically to help through its teaching to prevent the caste system. Instead, it is the saga representative assigning names with cast backgrounds to every newborn child in our Buddhist community.
The Sanga needs to come with a more radical program to eradicate the prevailing cast system in the country and stop promoting the same.
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Sargent Nallathambi / November 13, 2021
Dear Dr Ameer Ali,
You have hit the nail on the head.
This is the time for the Sinhala Buddhists to rise up and chase away the corrupt, manipulating, lying, Rajapaksa family from Sri Lankan politics for ever.
If this is not done as a matter of urgency – The Buddha sasana and the nation will be destroyed for ever.
We have reached a tipping point if action is not taken now – DISASTER is inevitable.
So – Ven Maha Sanaga wake up and act now. Save mother Lanka.
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SJ / November 13, 2021
“When religion is politicised religious leaders lose their spiritual charisma and religious institutions become partisan players among competing political forces. This has been the sad story of Buddhism and its apex institution, Sangha, ever since SWRD began to exploit that religion and its monks to win his political battles.”
*
Buddhism was politicized in the modern sense early last century.
Why else did JRJ & SWRDB assume Buddhist identities?
The man who used Buddhism far more cynically than SWRDB was Dudley Senanayake. He was the one who authored the ‘Poya week’ which lasted until 1971 when Mrs B persuaded the two Mahanayakes to agree to reverting to the Sun-Sat week.
*
In contrast to the author’s claims, Buddhism was very political even at the time of the writing of the Mahavamsa. It had been at the root of political violence on occasion.
The clergy and the monarchy were together in the business of statecraft, and the clergy was amply rewarded by the rulers all along.
There was a setback under colonial rule when other clergy were the beneficiaries.
*
The author can do with carefully studied statements.
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Ajith / November 13, 2021
Task Forces appointed by Gotabaya is a personal choice of Gotabaya Rajapaksa family. This is not the first Task Force.The release of Duminda Silva and appointing him to a high post is the choice of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The release of military commander is the personal choice of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Appointment of all his brothers and their families as Ministers and high ranking officers is the choice Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Selling harbours and making deals with Chinese, Indians and Americans is the personal choice of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Over 150 members of parliament including Tamil, Muslims accepted that the appointments for Task forces.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa clearly told that they were corrupt, they are only interested in their family and this is one country, one religion, one language and one law that is decided by one family and he asked why did they chose them again with full knowledge? Silence of the Sangha is also acceptance of that law.
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leelagemalli / November 13, 2021
Not only Levin Rathanayaka but anyone with Rajapakshes thievary will have to see it right.
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People will throw asuchi at them from now on.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLg6BGl7HoU
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Dinuk / November 13, 2021
The Sinhala Buddhist Diaspora has been weaponized!
US citizens Basil and Goat are working for the Deepstate and against the interests of the Citizens of Sri Lanka!
How can a US citizen present the National Budget of Sri Lanka?
The family of the President and uneducated finance Minister are US citizens who are selling off the island’s assets, energy and national security. Is this not a scandle?
Where else in the world is this happening?!
Lanka is truly a miracle of modayas!
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Sinhala_Man / November 13, 2021
Dinuk,
.
I share your outrage that American citizens have been allowed to cheat their way into controlling our country.
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But please get out of this habit of yours of calling our people “modayas”. Given the status quo, we have to persuade them to vote “our way”! Besides, I consider it unethical.
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You had said it here:
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https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/racist-politics-still-the-last-refuge-of-this-corrupt-gotabaya-regime/
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Almost the same words. I wondered why my plea (here) had been excised by CT, but it’s there!
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“Dinuk, we can’t save Lanka by merely asking rhetorical questions…..”
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Let me leave out the middle; I have ended this way:
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“Also, be careful where and when you call our citizens “modayas”. Owing to these attitudes of yours, the Rajapaksas don’t have to win votes; the hand that guides the pen will be controlled by a mind that hates you!”
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We have a system that doesn’t grant worthwhile education to the majority of our people. There is a syllabus. It is covered. Model question papers “done’. (There are frequent allegations that it is the actual paper that they will sit.) Regurgitate answers. That’s education! Much less money allocated than to thugs in uniforms.
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And you say, Modayas”.
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Good Sense / November 13, 2021
The author decries the silence of the rest of the “Sangha” over the conduct and the appointment of one of them (GG) as the head of a task force. GG is basically portrayed in this article as a symbol of anti-Muslim sentiments, though GG claims that a good amount of “insider-information” comes from the Muslim community itself. One of the questions out of the author’s assertions arises is whether the Tamil and Muslim members of the Task Force too therefore a part and parcel what GG stands for. Nobody thinks so. Secondly, can the silence the non-vocal Muslim community be found fault in not decrying the action of the 04/21 suicide bombers and their “master-minds”? No sensible person thinks so. The author rightly questions what legal knowledge has GG got to the head of this task force? Herr Gottler proclaims that his commitment to the principle is THE qualification. Excellent! The British applied this principle to the other spheres of law such as the criminal law. If it was practical, they would have unified the personal law. I believe that GG is made to study the complexity of implementing the principle thereby to reduce his noisy voice on it.
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Raj-UK / November 13, 2021
Since SWRD, a Christian (by birth if I am not mistaken), used Buddhism to whip up sentiment among the peasants, Buddhist monks have been very much the king makers in SL politics. Certainly, a leader of the country may seek the blessings of the sangha & maybe influenced by Buddhist teachings, but religious faith is a personal choice & should not be widely publicised. In my understanding of Buddhism, one becomes a monk by giving up material comforts to find solace in a simple life as preached by Buddha in order to achieve nirvana. Buddhism teaches compassion, absence of hatred & excess in every form, therefore, it can be said that the primary objective of a monk should be to provide spiritual guidance. Anyone practicing the 5 precepts is a Buddhist, whatever the faith, & history shows that Buddhism was not forced on people, therefore, even today, does not need ‘protection’ if the monks live an exemplary life. If there are monks who believe that the Sinhala race needs protection, certainly, they can do as they feel necessary (law permitting) but not wearing robe because the Sinhala race & Buddhism are different subjects. There is no gender, cast or racial differences in Buddhism, everyone is treated equal, which, the SL monks in general, does not seem to be aware.
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Sinhala_Man / November 13, 2021
Excellent sentiment, Raj-UK.
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Much of what we know about others, and especially of past events, is from what others have “told” us. Now it is “told” via graphology, which we read years later. I think that philosophers used “connaître” for something that you know at first hand. That was when ages ago, I tried to learn epistemology. They used some other word (savoir?) for what you learnt from others. After the coherence test has been passed, we conclude something to be true, but it falls short of “connaître”.
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What do we mean by religion? Merely a board that is displayed! Yes, SWRDB’s father, was enormously wealthy (I’ve heard that the wealth came mainly from constructing the road to Kandy, but that’s not in Wikipedia).
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._W._R._D._Bandaranaike
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I checked on that education of his with Rev. Marc Billimoria, who is a historian. It’s there in the records, as one of the students who moved from Mutwal to Mt Lavinia in 1918. I felt that he wouldn’t have been a “normal” student, and Marc agreed that he, too, was going only on records, and “displayed boards”.
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The older I get, the less i know for certain! I acknowledge my background to be Anglican.
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Your attitudes are excellent!
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Panini Edirisinhe
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SJ / November 13, 2021
R-UK
The clergy did not play a big role as king makers after 1956. SWRDB could not have the cabinet of his choice. The Finance minister was imposed on him by the Governor General.
SWRDB resisted undue influence of Buddharakitha in state affairs and was duly punished.
It was Dudley Senanayake who was shamelessly pandering to Sinhala Buddhist sentiments and the clergy in 1960 and in 1965.
Mrs B kept the clergy at arm’s length during 1960-65, but yielded to SB pressure since 1971.
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old codger / November 14, 2021
SJ,
“Mrs B kept the clergy at arm’s length during 1960-65”
She could hardly do otherwise, having been widowed by them. But it seems the experience didn’t teach her much.
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SJ / November 14, 2021
OC
Compare the role plated by the clergy in 1970-77 with those in later periods.
The clergy had accumulated power in 1965-70, and it was not easy to overlook them.
Even to introduce the Sun-Sat week, she had to do some favours to the Mahanayakes.
More than the clergy, Sinhala Buddhism as ideology has grown strong.
That is realpolitik.
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Lasantha Pethiyagoda / November 13, 2021
There is a problem with getting the chief monks of the major chapters (Mahanayakes) to rein in the thug monks who governments periodically use, to foment dissent and mistrust between communities. That is because these chiefs and the political leaders have an unwritten agreement to scratch each others’ backs and protect each of the parasitic existences of these people. (both political leaders and temple leaders live off the funds of poor people) The publicized visits by state leaders or opposition leaders to these people’s abodes from time to time “to pay homage” is a farce that is performed for public consumption and designed to fool the “religious” fools who vote.
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SJ / November 13, 2021
LP
The Mahanayakes wield power at higher levels of the power ladder but lack grassroots touch. That is where the likes of Gnanasara score– they pander to the worst in human thought.
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cugan / November 13, 2021
This is looks like wrong call,may be Sangam wants him to be liked that and satisfied with the actions of the dictator and how he govern,they all knows his character and ability,and past records,he knows art of how to fool and fix his agenda,even the time he put it for prez nomination dual citizens are not contest but he knows the way,he came with superb 20;then 6.9;
Last year young prince opened the meat factory,(pork chicken rats for Chinese…)now ban the only cattle slaughter to target,even how the propaganda against halal,the restaurants rumor was women don’t consieve baby ,then Dr.Shaffie,then after No limit
But sadly after all that how SJB,JVP,TNA …..all kept silent.but as everyone knows the Aluthgama ….
Now our head has two little things to sort it out the teachers and the farmers other than that he is satisfying the Sangam and 6.9
Now tourists are flocking to Sri Lanka to have the taste of sand ride dune in port city,according to young prince this is the first kind in south east Asia,like built the modern art of Air port.
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Champa / November 13, 2021
To: Dr. Ameer Ali and All non-Buddhists who dictate terms to Maha Sangha
Leave our Maha Sangha alone, ok.
Non-Buddhists have no right to criticise Maha Sangha or the Laity.
Sambuddha Sasana, which is the dispensation of Lord Buddha’s teachings, comprises four groups called Bhikkhu, Bhikkhuni, Laymen and Laywomen (Laity). As accorded by Lord Buddha himself, only the Laity has the ‘legitimate right’ to criticize the behaviour of Maha Sangha, if any, which is done in good faith.
Throughout our long history, our Maha Sanga has played a pivotal role in protecting our country.
Our resistance and rebellion against ‘settler colonizations’ and ‘proselytism’ was built ENTIRELY on the strengths of our Maha Sangha.
It is Maha Sangha who protected Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka so far while resisting those who attempt to eliminate Sinhalese Buddhists from their native lands or maliciously create division among Buddhist monks (eg: Tipitaka Bill). Whether Maha Sangha does it in silence or through agitation is for them to decide, not for non-Buddhists.
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Sargent Nallathambi / November 14, 2021
Dear Champa,
The maha sanga may have played a pivotal role those days
However it is a folly to equate scumbags like GG to this level.
Ven Sobitha was a Buddhist monk of high caliber in the recent past hope we get more
sensible and wise monks in the future who can distinguish between right and wrong and point out what is wrong.
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Nathan / November 14, 2021
Champa,
It is time that I interject your trajectory.
When you say, ‘Throughout our long history, our Maha Sanga has played a pivotal role in protecting our country’, which piece of the island is covered by your, ‘our country’.
If you are counting the entire island as your country, you start an unending dispute.
.
Let us put to rest that dispute, first.
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Champa / November 15, 2021
Nathan
What I meant by ‘our country’ is the country of the Sinhalese which was built, maintained, cultivated, prospered and safeguarded by our Sinhalese kings and our ancestors.
Every inch of this country, from north coast to south coast, west coast to east coast, which was known as Rawanadvipa (Taporawana = Taprobana) and Sinhaladvipa is ours.
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Nathan / November 17, 2021
Champa,
Every inch of this country, from north coast to south coast, west coast to east coast, … is ours.
How? Is it because you say so?
Unless you show historical evidence, stop this nonsense!
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old codger / November 14, 2021
Champa,
“Non-Buddhists have no right to criticise Maha Sangha or the Laity.
Sambuddha Sasana, “
In that case, you have no right to criticize Muslim or Tamil personal laws.
The only reason they criticize the Sangha is that Buddhist themselves are far too brainwashed to open their mouths what fat thugs like Gandasara run amok. Or do Buddhists like you actually support his antics?
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Champa / November 15, 2021
Machang old codger
Your argument is irrelevant to the subject.
For your information, Machang, Muslim Marriage Personal Law and Tamil Thesavalamai Personal Law are applied in matrimony and matrimonial rights.
Maha Sangha has no personal or matrimonial laws. Like every other citizen in the country, they are subjected to all civil and criminal laws.
There is no argument that Muslim Marriage Law, Tamil Thesavalamai Law and Kandyan Law a.k.a. Malabari Law that discriminates against women should be ABOLISHED.
When it comes to one-country, one-law, Gotabhaya, the misogynist speaks fluent bullsh….
Appointing a Buddhist monk to head an ‘All Male-but One Task Force’ which has been mandated to look into ways of abolishing personal laws THAT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST MARRIED WOMEN is super hilarious.
As I said a few days ago, One-country, One-law Presidential Task Force is against the Constitution, therefore illegal.
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Ajith / November 15, 2021
Champa,
Do you know when this “Thesavalamai Law” was brought to this country and who was the rulers at that time? Do you know who ruled Jaffna when this island was invaded by Dutch or Portugese? What right you Sinhalese have on another countries law?
“Thesavalamai, traditional law of the Tamil country of northern Sri Lanka, codified under Dutch colonial rule in 1707. The Dutch, to facilitate the administration of their colonial territories in Ceylon, established there an elaborate system of justice based on Roman-Dutch law and the customary law of the land.
A Dutch official spent three years in the Tamil country collecting their traditional law; this collection, after a revision by a group of prominent Tamils, was promulgated as authoritative in 1707.
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old codger / November 16, 2021
Champa,
“Maha Sangha has no personal or matrimonial laws”
I find it hard to believe that you are a Buddhist and have never heard of the Vinaya Pitakaya, which all monks are supposed to follow. It forbids many things, including monks having sex with dead people in cemeteries. I wonder why that was?
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Buddhist1 / November 14, 2021
The foundation of Racism in Sri Lanka is Sangha. It started with Mr. Bandaranaike, followed by Mrs. Bandaranaike, JR, Chandrika, Ranil, and reached the pinnacle during Mahinda’s times. Today Sangha does not practice what Buddha preached, what they preach today is Theravada Sri Lankan Style filled with Racism.
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Somapala / November 14, 2021
Refer to the Rubbish of old racist Eagleeye, as expected. Wish that he will be reborn soon in ‘apaya’ for discord he spread among human beings.
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deepthi silva / November 14, 2021
Religion thrives on making humble fools feel good about themselves. The feel good factor, going to haven, becoming more spiritual, etc. In reality a drug no intelligent person should take.
It is really a herd creating, divisive , senseless mind set. Religion is organized robbery-see how well these priests live.
As to the silence no religious person , especially those eating from religion and with low IQs can oppose people like Ganasara.
How many Muslim clergymen oppose the Taliban or Muslim extremism ?
How many Christians opposed the crusaders ?
Man essentially is pitiable , religious men are hypocritical rascals.
If religion gives wisdom , why is it necessary to pray 5 times a day ? It is a method of breaking the person and indoctrination, not freedom.Same with going to Temple or Church
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old codger / November 14, 2021
D.S,
“Religion thrives on making humble fools feel good about themselves”
Yes, and putting the the fear of Hell into the mindless multitude keeps them from being naughty.No amount of high-flown moral arguments will do that.
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MyView / November 15, 2021
Dear DS.
Religion helps the devotee to the extent that it gives consolation to a point in living in hope in times of distress, and to the privileged “dignitaries” to live comfortably by intervention in between. It helps one to cling to something to tide over hard times, may be a prayer.
If successful it is the prayer that worked but otherwise ‘we tried but’.
If prayers were a “sure thing”, Rajapakse’s will be anywhere but here, looting us. If dashing coconuts works, then life will be heaven on earth with no evil ones.
…”In reality a drug”… only if you persist in it.
I would prefer if you said : In reality it is a placebo.
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Paul / November 15, 2021
Deepthi, if you know anything at all about the Buddha’s teaching, you will realise that none of what you state applies to it.
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Svenson / November 14, 2021
‘Silence Of The Sangha’…so you want the Sangha to take part in politics when it suits you? They should really remain in their meditation kutis and leave the ‘work of kings’ to others.
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SJ / November 15, 2021
S
The author is mistaking the Maha Sangha for the Sangha.
The Maha Sangha has a role to play in controlling loose cannons like Gnanasara politicizing Buddhism in a way that it destroys social harmony.
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