The leader of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera has passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore.
The remains of the 73 year old Ven. Sobitha Thera is to be brought to the country today.
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Sama / November 8, 2015
Entire peace loving people will miss you forever, Rev. Sir.
Yours was real patriotism as we experience in the country during the last few months. Today, MY3 and Ranil Government would NOT have been in place, if this golden son of the nation did not fight for restore basic human rights of the nation.
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Samare / November 8, 2015
This monks freedom of struggle was unique. He is on the top of all patriots we have had sofar in this country. Never was he backward to fight against rights – alone the discusisons given to SIRASA satana program was evident. The kind of monks are the rarity in this country. May you attain nirwana.
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John / November 8, 2015
Ven. Sobitha will go down in history as one who did the unthinkable , unseating most powerful Mahinda Rajapakse ,
Ven Sobitha, of course we need you back here again, be born again.
But Ven Sobitha deserves ultimate bliss of Nibbana for service he did to us.
May Ven. Sobitha attain Nibbana
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Punitham / November 8, 2015
Golden son indeed.
He leaves behind lessons for the politicians and the Buddhist clergy.
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Ismail / November 9, 2015
The Venerable Thera was a warrior par-excellence, not with the sword, but on the political platform. He did so much to restore hope of Sri Lanka’s Muslim population. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala grant him Jannatul Firdous
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Amarasiri / November 10, 2015
RE: Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera Passes Away
May Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera attain Nibbana.
He is the closest Ven. Thera we have seen since independence of a Monk who was closest to the Enlightened Budda’s teachings in practice, and helped the people to get rid of Mara, MaRa and free the country from the influences of MRa.
It is a National loss, it is a loss for Sinhala Buddhists who want to follow Buddhas Path, and for reforming Sinhala Buddhism to follow Buddhas Teachings.
May Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera attain the Pali Nibbana and Sansktit Nirvana
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Hamlet / November 8, 2015
May the Ven Sobitha’s Death inspire our Political Leaders to accomplish His Vision, of a Truly Democratic Nation devoid of Bribery, Corruption and Nepotism!
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Analyst / November 9, 2015
@ Hamlet, In your dream mate! Bribery , corruption and Nepotism the whole bundle seeps through every orifices of our Srilankan Politicians , and Professionals of all sectors.
The SLankan health professionals are becoming the newest corrupt money makers / swindlers, playing with the conscience of the sick and dying patients. Overnight the village and town “clever clogs” becomes millionaires in the name of Doctors healing the ill and dying.
These so called doctors have no conscience other than making quick Bucks. Swindling research funds day and night.
The allegiance to the profession went through the window the moment they took their oaths on qualifying to treat the sick and dying equally whether the patients were Rich or Poor.
The greediness of the medical professionals is disgraceful. There are more deaths due to medical negligence.
Colombo General is like a cattle market dirty and crowded ( this is one example) Patients are neglected their illness is neglected allow them to die sooner than later while these professionals continue pilfering .
Why all the Politicians and wealthy flying away to Singapore to get treated for their ailments while the poor in the hands of these Messiahs get killed medically.
Don’t the Rich have confidence on our Medical Practitioners?? Nor the Hospitals are too low class for them??
Time to ponder , Eh!!
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Analyst / November 9, 2015
Analyst’s. comment pricked Someone’s nerve to put a ” thumb down ” above. Could that be a good Doctor ? ?? Or a Good Politician???
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Piranha / November 8, 2015
May his soul rest in peace. If all the monks were like him Sri Lanka would not have had many of the problems it suffered since independence.
He contributed immensely to dethrone the dictator Rajapaksa. However, if he had lived he would have been very sad to see the how the shamelessly corrupt the politicians he helped to elect have become. Still, his help in getting rid of Rajapaksa was commendable.
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Piranha / November 8, 2015
May his soul rest in peace. If all the monks were like him Sri Lanka would not have had many of the problems it suffered since independence.
He contributed immensely to dethrone the dictator Rajapaksa. However, if he had lived he would have been very sad to see the how the shamelessly corrupt the politicians he helpexd to elect have become. Still, his help in getting rid of Rajapaksa was commendable.
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words / November 8, 2015
Karma…[Edited out]
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mike / November 8, 2015
words
You have been sliced by the s(word). May the Ven. Sobitha rest in peace. Loser !
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Tilak / November 8, 2015
@Words
You brute, how on earth did you have the heart to say what you wanted to say?Think hard and repent man for it is against evil like you that the beloved Thero fought against.If he was alive the Venarable Monk would have surely forgiven you just like Christ forgave Brutus.
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Justice & Fairplay / November 9, 2015
Totally endorse what you say, Tilak.
“Words” is one among a few million who make it difficult to uplift this nation’s thinking.
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Point of View / November 8, 2015
Oh not yet….. Very soon karma will catch up with your zero !
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Ansar / November 8, 2015
What a loss to the Nation. A gem of a person with courage of conviction spearheaded the campaign to bring in good governance to our beloved country which was plagued by a Monstrous Dictator.
If not for his first courageous step our country would have been under the clutches of MARA Regime for the rest of our lives living in mortal fear from the goons of MARA/GORA duo via White Van, Greece Yakas, Ponnasara and the likes.
Thank You for your invaluable service to the Nation and let you get the highest reward for your selfless dedication for a worthy cause. The Nation owes you a great deal and your name should be inscribed in gold for the future generations to know that you were a true freedom fighter of the Nation, who stood against a brute dictatorial regime for no personal gain but for the Nation, when all were going behind the bounties of MARA for their personal gains.
We salute your Sir, if I may call same and honour you with the highest order for your selflessness. I am not sure, whether we can find a person even closer to your selfless dedication and the MIGHTY CREATOR who sent you to this earth for a purpose was in a big hurry to take you from us so abruptly and left us in a real state of mourn, which cannot be described by words.
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Analyst / November 8, 2015
May the Reverend Hahmudhuru Rest in peace.
He fought for the country to be a better nation and he was instrumental in bringing Sirisena and Yahapalanaya. We have lost a true son of SL who loved his country.
Have we lost it all?? Are we back in the hands of thieves and murderers? So called Politicians , Lawmakers , Eductionalists, Health professionals and the crooked yellow robes who guides the vulnerables and the crooks to live in sins and curse?
Very rare now to see honest minded people who instils “. GOOD VALUE IN LIFE” . Who preach goodness and kindness.? We are lacking in all these in our land.
80% of the above mentioned category are corrupt, we cannot expect much .
How do we expect a polluted country to change for better when the government is filled with RUBBISH FROM THE STREETS.??
This country is in ” DEVIL’S CLUTCH”
Bless the soul of Most venerable Sobitha Thero. Sadhu, Sadhu , Sadhu.
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Samare / November 8, 2015
Analyst@ I am so saddened by this news.
My dream was to meet the Rev Hamuduruwo when paying the country next (in January).
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John / November 8, 2015
Ven. Sobitha will go down in history as one who did the unthinkable , unseating most powerful Maninda Rajapakse , then sitting president & bringing in Maithripala Sirisena as president. This is a fact, he achieved.
He did this because he believed in good governance, democracy & he was against corruption, abuse of power. This looks a pipe dream at the moment, because his Godd governance govt. of PM Ranil is fast becoming equal to that of Mahinda Rajapakse. Ven Sobitha is fortunate to pass away not seeing this in his own eyes, if not it would have been suffocated beyond comprehension.
He was against any form of racism , violence, religious disharmony. Of course I think country is on track achieving this Ven. Sobitha’s dream.
One thing I must confess Ven. Sobitha did not follow his master , Lord Buddha.
What lord Buddha did was correcting himself, not the outside world which he new never attainable,
So Lord Buddha found ultimate bliss of nibbana , never to be born again in this world & he taught others how to do it, the 08 fold path & more if you are serious.
Any way, nobody is perfect, if we are perfect we would not have been born in this world , perhaps in heaven.
Ven Sobitha ,of course we need you back here again ,be born again.
But May Ven Sobitha attain ultimate bliss of Nibbana, he deserves it for what service he did to us.
Ven. Sobitha , May you attain Nibbana
.
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Hamlet / November 11, 2015
“What lord Buddha did was correcting himself, not the outside world which he new never attainable”
John; Your understanding of the Buddha’s Dhamma, is the Mistaken Theravada Way of Thought.
The Buddha could have reached Nibbana immediately after He attained Enlightenment. But He believed he could Find at least Some, who could understand His Dhamma, so he continued to Teach.
The Mahayanists believe that One should keep on Walking the Buddha’s Way, till all Beings attain at least the First step on the Path.
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Ben Hurling / November 8, 2015
I am very saddened by this news.
Did not expect him to leave us so quickly. This unfortunate nation still needs Sobitha Thero badly.
Still, let us not burden his memory with our problems anymore. Time has come to relieve one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved sons of his duties.
Sobitha Thero has done more than his bit for us, the Sri Lankans. He was one of the greatest gifts this country was blessed with.
Rest in peace.
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tika / November 8, 2015
Ben Hurling,
surely this man of courage and writings…
have you asked yourself if he has left a note like sunday leader to all the politicians he loved of how they should perform. or is it hidden by the blues?
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Analyst / November 8, 2015
@words! Is that all you can think of to pen on this sad occasion.
” You may ROT IN HELL. ! ” Words” when your time comes.
I have no words to say you rotter. Hope you rot in your present and future lives.
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Estate Labourer / November 8, 2015
He was one of the few Buddhist monks for whom the people of other religions also had much respect.
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Smith / November 8, 2015
The dirge that they all sing at truth’s funeral is:
`I am entirely right and you are entirely wrong`
It is entirely immaterial what truth they bury,
but it is essential that they do the burying.
I presume when he left the shores for oxygen he said
` I am sufficient as I am.`
In a spirit of reasonableness let Sobitha rest in peace- samsara.
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Charles / November 8, 2015
I am saddened to hear the passing away of Ven.Sobitha Thero. It is a great loss to the country at a time the country needs people of his caliber. He gave voice to the voiceless and risked his life to bring in Good Governance and Democracy a dream which he achieved.
The only tribute the present leaders could pay for him is to ensure his dream is realized.
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maali karunaratne / November 8, 2015
So sad to lose him at this time in Sri Lanka. We have never seen a priest who could command respect from all communities. We Sri Lankans are unfortunate as he would have seen to it that yahapalanaya becomes a reality.
I have a feeling that his health was affected by this government, particularly because of MS and his dirty appointments. I think it is too much to say that MS killed him but his rule had an impact. The govt did not deliver what our dear Rev expected. His famous statement ” Thatiya rathkarala thiyanne dhan rottiya puchchanda” would resonate for a long time.
This govt forgot that vision and mission that brought him to power. May his soul rest in peace and be reborn in Sri Lanka to lead us again
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Afzal / November 8, 2015
Huge loss for the whole country. Sadden by the sudden passing away of Ven. Sobitha thero. Sobitha Thero is someone we can listen with a open heart. He talks only sense.
It is huge loss, however I am glad that he was able to see though the regime change and putting the foundation towards a building just society. His contribution was immense. Such caliber of people come once in a blue moon.
Rest in peace sir!
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Tamil from the north / November 8, 2015
Rest In Peace. You are a huge loss to democracy.
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Tamil from the north / November 9, 2015
Sorry I meant to write ‘your passing’ is a huge loss to this country, it’s people and democracy. Rest in peace friend.
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Kettikaran / November 9, 2015
Many in the academic community are steadfast in the view now that it was the higher ranks of the Buddhist clergy that sharply divided the ethnic cleavage in the country in the mid-1950s, it is the same heirarchial sources in the Buddhist side that must shed the prejudicial garb to unite the country. Ven. Maduluwewa Sobitha Thera was for long identified with the unyielding Sinhala extreme. It was his aggressive picture in the cover of Dr. Stanley Thambiah’s (Harvard U) book “Buddhism Betrayed?” that created such unnecessary communal spat decades ago. This eventually petered out without moving into any form of communal conflagration.
Happily, the Thera changed his stance on the Tamil Nation Question. In recent time he acknowledged, in various public expressions, Tamils have been wronged. He canvassed towards healing longstanding Tamil wounds. This transition coincided with the excesses of the Rajapakses, particularly in the past two years, to the point an exasperated and weary secular nation saw him as a figure that can usher in reconciliation and unity. He was a natural choice, therefore, as an alternative to dislodge the uncaring Rajapakse usurpists. He was forthright early justice should be done to Tamils. Tamils, Muslims and other minorities saw in him as someone that can be relied upon againstd growing Buddhist extremism. The rest is history.
I am close to a political family in the Gampaha District to whose functions he is regularly invited to perform religious rights. In my talks with him recently I was encouraged he is for a united and secular country. I will also remember the crisp and clear Sinhalese in which this urbane religious leader convincingly made his points. Without the fear of contradiction one can refer to him as the architect of the
January 08 “Revolution”
The country loses the indispensable services of the good Thera at a time as it stands at the crossroads between good governance, politico-economic stability and frightful chaos. His loss will be sharply felt.
May he be blessed with eternal peace.
Kettikaran
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Native Vedda / November 9, 2015
Kettikaran
“Happily, the Thera changed his stance on the Tamil Nation Question. In recent time he acknowledged, in various public expressions, Tamils have been wronged. He canvassed towards healing longstanding Tamil wounds. This transition coincided with the excesses of the Rajapakses, particularly in the past two years, to the point an exasperated and weary secular nation saw him as a figure that can usher in reconciliation and unity. “
You are spot on.
Remember he was an active member of a racist group that appointed The Sinhala Commission that was set up to scuttle Chandrika’s proposed constitution. He was a typical divisive Sinhala/Buddhist who made various statements that didn’t help promote reconciliation either.
However in later years he changed, changed for the better. A remarkable welcome change which is unique to this island’s racist past. He had amply demonstrated man’s ability to change and proved that future of this island lies in the secular nature of its politics, rightly so if one looks at both elections held this year.
Will the smart ass patriots follow his foot steps?
Many years ago a young monk told me Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera saved his life from white van abduction during the dark ages (1987/90).
May he attain Nibbana.
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Liyanage / November 9, 2015
NV,
I have no recollection of white van abductions during that era(1987/90). Yes, there were abductions but I doubt they were white van. If that is the case then the allegations against the former defense secretary are baseless? Is it?
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Native Vedda / November 9, 2015
Liyanage
White van abduction didn’t start with Gota nor will it end with him. Please check when white vans were first introduced to this island.
It is part of the our heritage, cannot be easily changed.
A few of my friends had had very unpleasant experience during the dark ages, still suffering.
During the dark ages (1987/90) a close friend of mine from Minuwangoda also had had the same experience. If not for his father he wouldn’t have survived.
He was born and bred there, a lovely house in the middle of paddy field. Over the years everything has changed. He is a Sinhalese and a practicing Buddhist. A good man. His father was cultured, a man who understood what Buddhism meant to the ordinary people. You could sit down and listen to him for hours.
Was it his good karma that my friend lived to tell his story?
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Liyanage / November 10, 2015
NV,
If it is part of our heritage, cannot be easily changed then I guess you should take some responsibility as one of the earliest settlers. I am afraid you cannot wash your hands of the matter, sir. Let me tell you my story. I was studying for my A/levels in 1989 and I would go for my physics tuition classes in Dehiwala conducted by a famous tuition master then and a current state minister. I was able to catch a bus in the morning but unfortunately, they were forced to go on a strike in the afternoon by the so called Patriotic National Movement and I was left stranded without not knowing how to get back home. There was an Army truck which was going past my way and I got in without thinking too much. Although, I was asked a few questions about my background, they dropped me off near my house. However, I did get a good hiding from my father for getting into the truck. I had seen a lot of army trucks and 4-wheel drives but did not notice any white vans in my area.
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Ben Hurling / November 9, 2015
Yep, Sobitha Thero escaped 1987-90 killer squads by leaving his Kotte temple. As far as I know.
Story is that he was hiding in a Bungalow that belonged to a well-wisher. Somewhere in a rural Sri Lanka.
Yes. White Van was the latest manifestation of a proud Sri Lankan tradition. Was not invented by Gota. Though he was a keen practitioner, who tried to perfect the art of making people disappear.
Cheers!
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Native Vedda / November 9, 2015
Ben Hurling
Gota, Fonseka and another four middle-ranking officers were part of an active team in the brutal war against innocent people and a few JVP terrorists during the dark ages.
I was told that they were advised/directed by a British Colonel who was attached to the British High Commission.
Anti-people war started in April 1971.
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Kettikaran / November 9, 2015
Native Veddah,
The late Ven. Sobita Thera is one of the three leading activist monks in the country making waves at the higher political levels. The other two being monk Elle Gunawansa and the Colombo Gangaramaya Temple monk Galaboda Gnanassara Thera. The trio had absolutely no compunction they undermined the influence and authority of the Mahanayakas of their different Orders.
Monk Elle Gunawansa was closely associated with Gamini D and Cyril M. His name is widely associated with the July ’83 events and the events centred around the bodies of slain soldiers brought for burial to Kanatta Cemetry. Those dark events brought much death, destruction and misery to several thousands of innocent Tamil families in the Colombo District. He went out to appropriate valuable State property right opposite BMICH at Bullers Rd/Bauddhaloka Mwa to build his “Temple” The State took no action against him.
A friend of mine was in the army security retinue provided to Podi Hamuduruwo during the 1988/89 days. He was surprised the Thera always carried a gun. He still wields much political influence and has a large following recognising the clout he has with all Sinhala governments.
My point is if both these living monks take a positive stand in the Tamil National Question they may help the country move towards unity, peace, reconciliation – all hopefully leading to prosperity to all communities in a truly united Sri Lanka.
Kettikaran
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vishvaith / November 9, 2015
I salute Kettikaran and NV for eloquently sharing with readers, the side of Rev Sobitha less spoken of, his earlier attitude towards the Tamil Community. With time we all change, so did Rev Sobitha. Perhaps it is our misfortune that he passed away, as we reset our Motherland to be a Secular Nation.
May you Rest in Peace, Rev Sobitha.
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BBS Rep / November 9, 2015
Very sad but we move on.
Nibbana, who knows if its real. In many minds it does but in me, very doubtful. Who cares. It is the end of story. Our time also will come – the foremost certainty.
And the other only certainty, despite Ven Sobitha Theras valiant efforts in ousting the MARA mafia, corruption, mismanagement, injustice and violence will continue unabated in our thrice blessed country.
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KEN SAUNDERS / November 9, 2015
IT IS A IRREPARABLE LOSS TO THE COUNTRY.Ven. Sobitha thero WILL BE REMEMBERED FOREVER BY ALL THE COMMUNITIES AS HE WAS ONE OF A FEW MONKS WHO WAS RESPECTED BY EVERYONE FOR ALL WHAT HE DID FOR THE COUNTRY AND TO UNITE THE NATION RECENTLY.
MAY BE THE OTHERS CAN FOLLOW HIS PATH IN THE FUTURE.
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Lanka Watch / November 9, 2015
Very untimely death. May his soul rest in peace. He will be remembered
by all communities at all times, specially when country’s peace is threatened by anti democratic sources.
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Peace Lover / November 9, 2015
A great loss to Sri Lanka!
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Govinda / November 9, 2015
Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera Passes Away
Quranic Verse (21:35) – English Translation
Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.
Ven Sobitha Thera did yeomen services to the country at large and led a peaceful life and set an example to other monks and religions. BBS should follow his footsteps. A great loss to democracy. Ven. Sobitha will go down in history as one who did the unthinkable.
Ven. Sobitha , May you attain Nibbana.
Govinda/KSA
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Nina Kamal / November 9, 2015
Alas, a very few heard his ‘vice advise’ now they come to mourn him when his lips are sealed….
We have lost a great son of our mother, we shall mourn you just not now, when the reality hits us, we shall mourn you more, rest in peace our silent hero…..
You have left our hearts to bleed unrest!
May you attain Nibbana Hammuduruwane! Aameen
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Justice & Fairplay / November 9, 2015
No other priest from any of the Buddhist sects had Ven Sobitha’s courage in the face of intimidation, threats (spoken and unspoken) and the general oppressive atmosphere which prevailed before the 8th of January 2015.
In fact all those high sounding priests in high places were milder than sheep or should I say more meek than mice and did not give any leadership to anything. They were cowards.
This priest had guts. For leading and raising such a spirited oppositional voice, the nation today owes him a huge debt of gratitude and should salute him like no other.
His voice, his presence, his resolve were equivalent to a million people shouting themselves hoarse, chanting the same thing and creating mayhem on the streets. He was hugely influential. His views carried.
With his passing, we didn’t lose just one very very good person; we lost a whole battalion!
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Patriot / November 9, 2015
Members of the National Movement for Social Justice(NMSJ) and other sensible people of Sri Lanka wanted a Non Political person as the common candidate at the 8th January Presidential elections. Some suggested Sobhitha Thera’s name and he himself had volunteered to come as the common candidate if a suitable person could not be found. He has said he will abolish the executive presidency within SIX months and come back to Naga Viharaya. Except for the JVP the other political parties specially the UNP leader did not want to support the candidacy of the prelate. See what has happened to the country today. Sirisena who left the SLFP and became the common candidate in order to get the support of the opposition forces went back to his old party and not only became the leader of that corrupt party but formed a very impractical national government giving cabinet posts to almost all rogues of the previous government. If sobhitha Thera became the president on the 8th of January we would have had a different Sri Lanka today. May he attain Nibbana.
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Off The Wall / November 9, 2015
A true and rare leader in our history who stood for the rights of all Sri Lankans has left us. It is difficult to imagine another leader like him emerging anytime soon.
I salute you, Most Venerable Sir.
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Paul / November 9, 2015
If monks have to involve themselves in politics, at least let them model themselves on this man of peace. May Ven Sobhitha realise Nibbana.
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Mervyn Silva / November 9, 2015
Massive loss to the movement against injustice, nepotism, corruption, drugs and alcohol mafia.
Some in the Yahapalanaya government may be happy that one of the biggest threats to their corrupt activities is now over! Now they can make rotti according to their own recipe. They have forgotten the fact that invincible Rajapaksa too had to renounce power. Ranil, Yellow bellied rotten Austin Fernando, Arjun Mahendran, Arjuna Ranathunga are among the leading personalities who will bring downfall to this government. The President should first remove his brother and show that he respects the vision of Most Ven. Sobitha Thero not only by words but by deed. Sadly these things will not happen in Sri Lanka.
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rohan polwatte / November 9, 2015
This is a big loss for entire peace loving Sri Lankans. I felt very sad when I heard he passed away. I knew him personally. If not for Sobitha thero there won’t be democracy in Sri Lanka or law and order. But I am not 100% satisfied with w/e happening in the present with yahapanalanaya. But at least it is better than the previous idiots. I am just thinking whther our sinahala people are smart enough to reule the country respecting individual rights to create law and order. Crimanals should be punished even if your parents or siblings no matter what iof there was act of illegal activity every one should be punished. Sobitha thero did not like 100% what yahapanaya is doing. Hope Yahapanalaya people will get thier acts straight,to create a JUST society. May he attain NIBBANA. I loved him from bottom of my heart.
Sobithat thero, thank you for your fearless drive to create just society.
THANK YOU.
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Manisekaran / November 9, 2015
May his departed soul rest in peace
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Native Vedda / November 9, 2015
Manisekaran
Good to hear from you.
By the way why have you put singing Kovan without kovanam (amude) in jail?
I wonder whether it is advisable to visit your country, for I cannot stop singing on the streets.
It appears Hindians love to control every bit of Indian life, including your love and sex life. What are you doing about it?
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