NEED FOR A SPECIAL INQUIRY TO INQUIRE INTO THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF VENERABLE SOMA THERA

The statement issued on 13/12/03 by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress on the demise of Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thera

The sudden death of the most Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera, who was performing a yeoman service to the entire nation and specifically to the Sambuddha Sasana has struck everybody, particularly the Buddhist community all around the world, as a deep shock.

Mysterious sudden demise of Buddhist Prelates and lay leaders of yesterday, who relentlessly and vigorously peruse the caused of Buddhism and the Singhalese, still remains a puzzle. It is known that a very carefully crafted and effectively implemented plot was operating against the Ven. Soma Thera to weaken the late Prelate’s campaign, which he was fearlessly and vigorously spearheading to reawaken the Buddhist society that had gone into slumber.

During an era where ingeniously crafted clandestine plots are being hatched openly against Buddhist Nayaka Theros and lay Leaders, the mysterious death of Ven. Soma Thera who efficiently and fearlessly gave leadership to the Singhalese and Buddhists, raises the question whether it is another such despicable plot.

Events of this nature could always happen due to natural causes. But, it is well known that in the present times any heinous crime of this nature could be carefully disguised and carried out in a manner to make it appear natural.

In the circumstances, All Ceylon Buddhist Congress has requested the relevant responsible authorities to carry out a special inquest to find out the true cause of death of the Ven. Thera, and not to limit it to standard postmortem procedures but to carry out a through investigation to ascertain whether any poisonous substances are present in the late Prelate’s body.

All Ceylon Buddhist Congress call upon all Buddhists, Buddhists Societies and Institutions to stand united in honoring and furthering the ideals of the late Buddhist Prelate. May the Most Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thera attain Nibbhna.