The one time vociferous champion of good governance, and supporter of Maithripala Sirisena during the run up to the presidential elections, Buddhist Monk and Member of Parliament, Athuraliya Rathana has decided to take a backseat from party politics and function independently in Parliament.
Rathana Thero
In an interview with the ‘Deshaya’, the monk said that “I prefer to be more responsible to society than be connected to party politics. I do not have any animosity against anyone.”
He also disclosed that he will step down from the position of Chairman of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), and function as a consultant of the party.
He also noted that the JHU has always taken a stand against any wrong doing no matter who committed it, and his party’s criticism was one reason that brought about a government change.
The Buddhist Monk also added under the new administration democracy has been established in the country ‘to a certain extent.’ He however pointed out that the country was being governed without a proper economic vision. “We need an economic plan if the country is to achieve sustainable development,” he added
punchinilame / March 31, 2016
A very wise move for a Religious leader and he can set an example in
political statesmanship, which is lacking among Sri Lankan politician.
Most welcome to The Change.
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Analyst / March 31, 2016
Dissolve ,Disband and DeRobe J. H. U for Good.
Will do good for the country to prosper with Peace and Harmony.
This party used to be a total ante this and ante that. Came riding high with Racists slogans and vengeance against any one other than Buddhists.
See what happened to the so called leader CRanawake holding a Ministerial Post in the Good Governance and lying through his teeth about who the devil drove the vehicle and caused that Motorcycle accident.
Come on man how long would it take to own up the truth somewhat what ever.
He too was the instigator for Fanning up the Racism kept the country Burning with Hate.
Changing sides will not cover the past SINS committed nor be covered under the carpet.
THATS WHY WE CALL AND BELIEVE IN GOD AND SAY GOD IS GREAT.
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Asoka / April 1, 2016
Derobe, live same as Hettimullay Vajirabuddhi who derobe and became Vajira Pelpota (who was with SLFP during the Sirima Bandaranayake’s time) We should salute to Sir John Kotalawela who said “Dush-seelayangay oluwala Taara Gaanna Kiyala”
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K Sundaram / March 31, 2016
Athuraliya Rathana reflects wise sense.
My heartfelt appeal to him is to speak for the minorities and the down trodden from now on.
By doing this, he can turn the politics into a sensible one.
He will be seen a patriot and charismatic Buddhist monk.
God bless him to be more wiser.
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Analyst / March 31, 2016
Highest court in SouthAfrica has Ruled that President Jacob Zuma has misused the state Funds and failed to repay
Money spent on his private home.
How about that happening in Srilanka by the Srilankan High court??
The Murderers and Thieves of last and present government are let free in SL and roaming the streets holding meetings against the ruling government while our INEFFICIENT FCID wasting the state Finances.
Are we living in a third grade country where no law and order ??
Are the officials and the Politicians a BUNCH OF THIEVES PROTECTING EACH OTHER??
Today the President stated the opinions of the general public can Make or Break a Government which is a Good thing in a state where Democracy flourish.
Well done and thank you President MS.
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K Sundaram / April 1, 2016
Analyst
If Soulbury Constitution with mature and progressive inclusive amendments post independence had prevailed, Sri Lanka would have reached a unique position in the world map.
We would not have seen Modavanse’s, Cyril Mathew’s, Gamampulle’s and all the other worms that are bleeding our nation.
The judiciary would have even reached its highest standard to provide international justice.
South Africa is a young democracy that emerged with sweat and blood. Thanks to Mahatma Gandhi’s India, Sri Lanka got its independence on the golden platter without spilling a drop of blood.
Tell an area of good things that we gained with our independence that we did not tamper with.
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Perriappa / March 31, 2016
should have stayed inside the temple in the first place to begin with like a good monk.
didn’t he have serious allegations against him by the sunday leader regarding *** ?
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Sinchuappu / March 31, 2016
Why not you guys ask the most aggresive carniovours man Balu Balu Sena leader Ghanasara to do the same ? Even if chains are wrapped the bugger would not stay being in temple territories.
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Bensen Berner / March 31, 2016
He should be be more responsible not only to the society but also to his family with his five children who are looked after with great care.Bensen
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Native Vedda / March 31, 2016
Bensen Berner
The Welikada Police grilled Champika for 7 hours on 28 March 2016.
Is it why the saffron clad Athuraliye Rathana distancing himself from Champika?
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Sama / March 31, 2016
Bensen are u mad.. where did you get this from ?
The monk is a married person ?
Never.. this monk was so hearted in getting rid of Mr. Madamulana. There I hat off..
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Perriappa / March 31, 2016
Benson, you mentioned what I left out with *** thanks
Native Vedda, nothing will come of it so don’t get too proud of your police
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Dot / March 31, 2016
Party politics seem to be an illusion of good government in most countries .Majorities are created to get laws passed by offering the opposition positions of high rank as cabinet places giving the tax payer additional burdens of funding these new portfolios , bi-partisan agreements are solicited with threats of dissolution and no MP want to go through the harrowing experience of another election so agreements are made so they just give in and vote aye ..MPs’ jump sides though the voters elected them on being one with their party ideology at election time .Parties are funded by those with vested interest creating conflict of interest ..all this has happened to this Westminister style of Parliamentary politics with legal eagles looking for modern twist to this great tradition we inherited and accepted for to work for the people .Ii has evolved to a different level and accepted by those who have been educated differently through the passage of time ….so as this Monk has rightly said , to be in a party is not a very honest situation to serve the country .The venerable one in active politics has now become an independent back bencher with no party backing .Will he be heard by those in power is another question , at least he tried and most Monks do try when they preach even at the temples ..
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Hamlet / April 2, 2016
What is the Alternative to Party Politics?
Maybe we should choose as Ministers, Successful Wise People from each of the Essential Services, not Unqualified Politicians, who are mostly in Politics just for the Money, not to develop the Country Sustainably.
e.g. Doctors, Water Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Accountants, Structural Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Communications Engineers, Lawyers, Business Men, Justices, Nurses, Teachers, Farmers, etc. etc.
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Ananda / March 31, 2016
“I prefer to be more responsible to society than be connected to party politics. I do not have any animosity against anyone.”
So then why not resign from the Party? Especially a Party with the likes of Ranawaka being the guiding light – a man with questionable intent, going from his history!
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sr / March 31, 2016
It is appreciative that Rev. Bhikku Athuraliye Rathana has decided to play a low profile in the house.
As citizens Buddhist monks are entitled to engage in politics; there’s no doubt in that, not only Buddhist monks but also any religious dignitary has that right.
But we expect a monk to be a person with exemplary qualities; in the present social context it’s doubtful whether a monk can lead that life. The political arena is full of jerks and jolts so I think it’s wise for Rev. Bhikkus to be away in politics.
People are divided over political matters so Rev bhikkus have a responsibility to set example for people so it’s high time for them to decide the way in dealing social matters.
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A LAW ABIDING CITIZEN / March 31, 2016
This “RATHANA THE DEVIL” is Solely Reponsible For The Rise Of TERRORISM Now……….The Traitor Of The Mother Land……..This Devil Should Be De-Robed
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Hamlet / March 31, 2016
We Hope that more Buddhist Monks would leave Politics, and Concentrate on Teaching the Buddha’s Dhamma, and Performing Social Services for the More Unfortunate Citizens of Sri Lanka.
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Hinniappu / March 31, 2016
Hamlet nangi,
we hope that Balu Balu Sena would be disspeared from lanken soil.
Ghanasara will end up with a long jail session.
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Sama / March 31, 2016
I think gone were the days, we needed Buddhist monks to come forward and move the folks to right direction until the nation is liberated from most virulent dictator produced by stupid folks fo the same nation.
TOday, there are neough politicians to continue the job, so it is no wrong that the monks beingtaken step backward.. and see how they perform. But in need, we have to work collectively to drive away any kind of Rajakpakshes from their abuses … ..
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Seelawathie / March 31, 2016
We must not let buddhist monks to behave like thugs again.
That was the bad image provided by lanken pseudo monks. At the time, rabid dog Ghanasara did so – MEEHARAKA RAJAKASHE, stayed mum similar to a clay fed crocodile. At the time, Ghanasara s provokations took the lives and livelyhoods of ALuthgama, MEEHARAKA RAJAKASHE, did not even care about it as a fart. At the time, Fact finding mission paid visits to those gigantic projects, they were attacked verbally and physically.. Ajitha Pereraa was attacked as no times before, but MEEHARAAKA Rajaakshe stammered it that those mission may have provoked the thugs, and that has nothing wrong those thugs to take the justice to their hand. that was the days Mafia king thought, it was his property… and he is the man to represent the folks… remember folks with majority suffering from amnesia to a high degree ?
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Analyst / March 31, 2016
Excellent move for the Monks to follow Lord Buddhas preaching and spread peace ,harmony and love thy neighbour,
Certainly not Land grabbing , greed , hate and Doing politics,
They should Derobe when they commit sins including marriage and producing children. Buddha Sasana does not include Married men as Monks .
Present day Monks are opportunists who interferes in matters does not concerns them.
Best time to realise the truth and DeRobe now all those sinners in Robes including Athurala Rathana.
His Party Jathika Hela Urumaya should be disbanded totally and no Monks should do Politics or any other, other than serve for the Religion and follow the Teachings of Lord Buddha and Teach the present generation and lead them in to honest citizens .
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Hamlet / April 2, 2016
You are Right, Analyst.
A Person becomes a Buddhist Monk or Nun, to seek His/Her own Salvation, so He/She, can Guide Lay People along the Correct Path to Happiness, according to the Dhamma Taught by the Buddha.
One cannot attain Nirvana in That ‘Den of Thieves’, which is Parliament.
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Mohamed / March 31, 2016
Its seems the Buddhist Monk understand the real problem or limitation in Sri Lanka. I don’t know whether he understand that the organic economic vision can be emerged through setting up of continuous gap assessment and positioning the country by in-depth academic research platform.
If he really interested to come with a direction to form a vision for the nation, he should be able to approach and convince the university system to have set target research areas and align the recruitment system to meet those research needs as a first step. In the absence of such base building the nation by building vision is a good day dream.
But if the Monk truly interested in this direction, I am sure he can do it.
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Seelawathie / March 31, 2016
Yes Mohammed… the buddhist monk is not the buddhist monk community in the country.. there are lot more among them… that need to see it right let alone today..
Yesterday, I heard President of the country -Mr. Sirisena saying that a monk had criticised him not behaving like a real president…. can you imagine ? That particular monk should have compared it with that of the behaviour of Rajaakshe who always abused almost everything even the assets of unborn lankens. :::
Monks and others in the country, I am talking about majority folks believe the manner that the abusive president Rajaapkshe behaved in the country was the standard for a president s behaviour… Can you imagine.. our folks are the most stupid ones on this planet..
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Vibhushana / March 31, 2016
The Ven Athuraliya Rathana’s Samsara buddy Champaka has become quite of a disappointment of late. I think its all related to this.
Champaka drove that vehicle and hit the cyclist.
In a moment of weakness he lied to the police. No doubt he will keep adding more and more to the original sin as time goes on.
Considering calamities people face this is very minor. He should have taken ownership of his fault and moved along. After all its just a misdemeanor.
There are always costs associated with these kinds of things. It always comes with heavy penalties attached. He should have known better given what he stands for.
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Burning Issue / March 31, 2016
Vibhushana,
“In a moment of weakness he lied to the police.”
Chamoaka must have caught your disease momentarily. However, no one can beat you on the art of lying!
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Hamlet / March 31, 2016
Ven Athuraliya Rathana should have taught Champika the 4th Precept of Buddhism; ” Musavada Veramani Sikkha Padam Samadiyami”
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Samuel Jayaweera / March 31, 2016
Hamlet,
how can you attack Champika not knowing the bits yet clearly.
We dont know who is telling the truth. Probablity is very less him to have driven the car at about 10 p.m on that late evening. However, in a country facts and findings have no basis, and media men could still be supporters to paint other pictures, we never know… who could be right here, even boddhisathwas could be made as wrong ones in today s environment. Ltters were not that many compared to tamil population, but they were powerful to sabotage everyting.. so is the case with Rajapakshe thugs.. they are though not many, but they are powerful having connected to drug traffickers (funds providers) and all devious men and women in the society. Not forgetting prisoners that have records for high crimes are connected ot Rajaakshe filthy nature.
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paul / March 31, 2016
This ‘monk’ is one of many people who are helping to destroy the Sangha. If he followed the Vinaya rules he would not be involved in politics. He is nothing but a layman wearing a robe. I have nothing but utter scorn for him. Why do idiot Buddhists support such men?
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[Edited out]Miles / March 31, 2016
Pole,
Judging by your anti-Sinhala, anti-Buddhist comments all over CT, I begin to wonder whether you are following the path of that other Paul who admitted to being “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the He-brews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:5-6).
Only those with weird minds like the Pharisees will behave like you. He did it by creating the church that is the death of Christianity, and you are trying your subversion through the web.
But you are alone!
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paul / March 31, 2016
On the contrary, I am very pro-Sinhala and pro-Buddhist. You may be confusing me with someone else who posts under the name Paul. Check his gravatar. It is different from mine.
Also Punde learn the basic Vinaya rules before you write nonsense about subversion. It is our own bhikkhus who have corrupted the Buddha’s teaching.
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Native Vedda / March 31, 2016
paul
“I am very pro-Sinhala and pro-Buddhist.”
Then its alright as long as you are not a Sinhala/Buddhist.
How and when are you going to liberate Buddhism from Sinhala/Buddhist?
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MSMadanakulappu / April 1, 2016
If he could live without ” very”. in terms of sinhala and buddhism -.. just as a simple buddhist is cmmon with us the simple simons .. nothing would have gone wrong. We always respect what is right … and react like devil before evils.. that is our motto.
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Samuel Jayaweera / March 31, 2016
Dear CT,
please dont allow the kind of USER NAMEs.. PUnde means Penis or something like that.. a bad word…
We should not allow Rajaakshes to run amok here.. ha hahaha .. they can do in the country but not ON CT forum.
Thanks
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Jay / March 31, 2016
could be out of frustration. Yahapalanaya has cracks and growing. President and PM are not setting examples. Comparatively better than former regime but public expect clean work with no favoritism, no cover-up, no nepotism, no interference but giving the direction and punish the wrongdoers
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Antany Peter / March 31, 2016
He is on the right track, this is the way to do something for the people instead of wasting time and energy with endless party politics.
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Spring Koha / March 31, 2016
This is an excellent career move for the Venerable Athuraliya Rathana to make.
May I suggest that he returns to his calling, and the true message of Buddhism, and put that to good use when tending to his confused flock.
Those who have chosen the spiritual path would do well NOT to pollute their noble work by descending in to the sordid and mundane world of the temporal. Allow us mere mortals to carry on in the real world, getting on with our messy lives.
Perhaps the venerable monk can give us a definitive ruling on the morality of knocking down an innocent bike rider, then lying to the authorities as to who the driver was. This is the burning question of the moment. 2500 years of culture hinges on the answer.
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Devaka Jayasuriya / March 31, 2016
Anybody who supports Champika will end up being deserted eventually , Champika did the same to Veteran Lawyer S.L Gunasekara who was a gentleman par excellence and above board . Now Champika will affiliate with UNP and hijack it as well by someday kicking out Ranil. He came on the shoulders of the Monks . Now Monks are nowhere in sight . Baptized by Fr Oscar Abeyratne in 1991 who formed Kithu Dana Pubuduwa and was sent with NGO funds to form Janatha Mithuro . From time to time his task is to disrupt and dampen the upsurging Sinhala Nationalism and boil it down to abysmal levels . Wonderful task master .
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NAK / March 31, 2016
This monk is no leader of any body.He is just a cheap revenge seeker and that is exactly what he did to Mahinda Rajapakse.
Now being dumped by every body,wonder wether he will have even a back seat!
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True Buddhist / April 1, 2016
Seelawathie! Please do not write under pseudo Buddhist names. From your comments throughout CT articles anybody can understand your ulterior motive to attack Buddhism.
Do you know even during Buddha’s time, there were unruly monks (such as Devadatta, Kokalika, Domukha etc etc). Since you have no idea whatsoever about Buddhism and monks please do not try to pretend and act like a pious Buddhist. Thanks.
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thrishu / April 1, 2016
” ……. JHU has always taken a stand against any wrong doing no matter who committed it, …. “
Mr Ratana, What about your leader Ranawaka and his recent motor accident. Where do you stand?
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MSMadanakulappu / April 1, 2016
Thrisu, you are wrong here, You loose your credibility as a group leader for your research body. How can you know that Ranawaka was driving his vehicle to that time – late eveninga at about 22 hrs from lanken time ? Why you are busy with the issue than anything else, even leaving your research assigments ordered for the day ? Was that because you think it is high time to revenge him not forgetting personal vendetta you seem to have with him. I thought the manner you add your thoughts to this and other forums, you are a real buddhist. Very disspointed. Really.
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Sama / April 1, 2016
Even if they had been radical int eh past, but to chase away Rajapakshes, ost valuable Rev late Golden Son of mother lanka-Sobitha Thero was indispensable. Ranawaka was indispensable. Rev. Rathana was indispensable. M
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srinath.gunaratne / April 1, 2016
Thera is suggesting to farm without the chemical fertilizer!
To grow crops to feed a nation with organic fertilizer!
Who are you kidding?
Even with the fertilizer subsidy you can not bring down the cost!
These are fairy tales!
In UK milk vegetable chicken cheaper than Sri Lanka, They have achieved that using modern technology, big farms, fertilizer and all the other chemicals together.
We produce rice that is not consumed by many and cannot be exported.
We must convert some paddy land into grass land and boost milk production!
We need to join small fields owned by small holders together and farm them together using machinery to increase productivity.
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Leelawathie / April 1, 2016
Germany – right these days
a) 1 liter milk – costs only 80 to 100 rupees
b) 500g packet of beans – 225 rupees
c) 1000g carrots – 80cts (Euro)120 rupees
d) Butter (iris or german) 120 or 150 cts (Euro) –
e) 1000g chicken – 640 rupees
f) 1000g Basumati Rice – 320 rupees
g) 1000g bananna – 120 cts – 190 Rupees
And the lowest hourly rate for workers is 8-10 Euros (1600 Rupees)
so one who works 8 hours a day he earns 1600 x 8 = 128 00 a day.
But most of them are entitled to taxes meaning only 50% of the earnings go to their pockets monthly.
But lanken labourers dont even earn 10000 rupees a month – and how can they face the life there down ?
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Leelawathie / April 1, 2016
daily essentials in switzerland are very expensive. They produce them in CH. All imported food items are much cheaper. But the quality of the food being produced in CH is multiple times better than the goods coming from outside.
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Saman / April 3, 2016
Why can’t we introduce election process between Monks to select the heads for Sangha…
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Hamlet / April 4, 2016
Saman:-
When there are less Good Monks in Sri Lanka than Bad Ones, How Will Introducing an Election Process Work for the Good of the Buddha Sasana?
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