KAMALIKA PIERIS
Last revision 10.10.19
Yahapalana’s attacks on the Maha Sangha are part of its attack on Buddhism, Buddhists, and Buddhist worship. This anti-Buddhist strategy has clearly been planned well ahead and given to Yahapalana to implement.
Yahapalana decided to avoid a frontal attack on Buddhist philosophy. They know what happened at the Panadura Vadaya. Yahapalana has preferred to hit below the belt. Yahapalana accordingly tried to silence the Maha Sangha, by putting them in remand prison and to sabotage the Peraheras by removing the elephants that go in it. Peraheras have always been an irritant to the non-Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
Uduwe Dhammaloka observed in 2016 we can see that
strategies are being discussed among various NGOs and the present rulers seem
to be going along with them, one
instance is the Katikawata Bill, the intention was to suppression of the
sangha. There is no need for a
Katikawata bill, the Vinaya rules are sufficient. Kiribathgoda Ananda has over a 1000 monks
under him. They conduct themselves well.”
Uduwe Dhammaloka continued, there is now a
move by NGOs to say that ordaining young boys as monks is child abuse. We know that as far as Buddhism is concerned
adult ordination will never work. Monks have to be ordained when they are young
otherwise they will never be able to conduct themselves in a manner required of
monks. We now see subtle attempt to portray the ordination of children as child
abuse. There was a video clip of a young samanera crying for his mother that
was shared on social media networks some time ago. These subtle campaigns which
strike at the very root of Sinhala Buddhist culture. If child ordination is
eliminated the sangha will be gone in one generation.
Derana News on 10.9.19 showed a young man repeatedly slapping two Samanera bhikkhus repeatedly for allegedly taking an item from a shop. An onlooker came forward and stopped him but only after about half a dozen slaps had been given. The next day Derana news showed the two Samanera in hospital. The man was arrested and the camera showed him apologizing for his action.
Samanera bhikkhus are also featured elsewhere. The popular teledrama ‘Sidu’ features a village temple, its chief priest, his assistant Ven. Rahula and two little Samaneras, Soratha and Subhoda. ‘Sidu’ thus shows the three levels of bhikkhus in the Sangha community, senior, middle and junior, their role and the difference in attitude among them. The Samanera are shown to be normal, mischievous little boys, training to be priests. Before it became a soap opera, Sidu” was a lovely film. Buddhist philosophy was woven beautifully into a relaxing film which offered, suspense, melodrama, excitement, ‘pight’, ‘comit’ and ‘luv’.
The international conspiracy leaders have studied the Sangha as individuals and selected the most suitable Bhikkus for what they had in mind. These handpicked monks talk and behave in a manner designed to turn Buddhists against Buddhism. That is the nature of the conspiracy. Getting the monks involved is part of the conspiracy. This has also happened in Burma where monks were brought into disrepute., said Uduwe Dhammaloka.
There is a small group of monks playing a
major role in creating disturbances in the country. They paved the way for the present government
to come to power. These monks were completely unheard of until they started
creating disturbances on the streets. This is a small minority of monks with
suspicious linkages to the west.
It is these monks who were arrested at
Homagama. They were brought to court
like criminals with their heads covered, Things that were not done even in
colonial times are being done now. Our
monks are now aware of what is going on, we discuss these matters, concluded
Uduwe Dhammaloka.
The pin
pettiya in temples is also targeted. Some time ago, the pin petti of Alutgama and
Dambulla viharas were sealed by the Department of Buddhist Affairs. The public
protested and the Department gave in. In
September 2019 another round of pin petti sealing started. The pin petti at Badulla raja Maha
vihara were sealed.
In September 2019, the audit Division of the Department of Buddhist affairs had come Tissamaharama Raja Maha vihara to do a surprise check of its pin petti. The petti were sealed to be taken for examination to the Department of Buddhsit Affairs. The auditors have said that the temple had not maintained proper records of the pin petti money.
The chief priests at Tissamaharama told Derana that they were unable to get the money they needed for the next perahera due to the bomb blast. They needed about 1.3 million. They needed another 50 lakhs or so, to keep the chaitya whitewashed and pay the workers and feed them for about two or three months. The Chief priest also observed that there was a Christian Church in Tissamaharama which had about three hundred acres of land. Are they checking there as well, he asked.
However, since it was best to keep on the good side of the Maha Sangha. Yahapalana made it a point to go to Malwatu and Asgiri Mahanayakas, kneel down, hand over baskets of fruit and say what they were going to do next. Maha Sangha was not fooled. Some Yahapalana MPs went beyond that. Derana news 8.9.17 showed Ravi Karunanayake visiting Elle Gunawansa and worshipping before a Buddha statue. Then in August 2019, there was a photograph of Ravi kneeling before a bhikkhu at a function at the BMICH.
Unfortunately for Yahapalana, things did not go as planned. Instead of getting frightened, shutting up and staying inside their temples, the Sangha did the opposite. They marched out en masse from their temples and confronted Yahapalana directly. We now see a re-emergence of the Maha Sangha as a strong, formidable political force.
The Buddhist monk is fundamentally a teacher, and a counselor to laypeople observed Raj Gonsalkorale. They are part of a community, and their role is defined by the environment they live in. I would add to this that the Sangha are citizens of Sri Lanka, and are entitled to all the rights and privileges of a citizen of Sri Lanka. That is an inalienable right. If the Sangha can vote at an election, they can be politically active as well. Buddhism is not a philosophy that shuns politics. Buddha preached to King Bimbisara, King Pasenadi, and Anathapindika, a rich merchant and banker. In doing so, he was recognizing the importance of political and economic power in a society.
The first concern of the Maha Sangha was of
course, Buddhism .in June 2017 after a meeting of the Karaka Sangha Sabha,
Warakagoda Gnanaratana in a strongly worded statement spoke of internal and external conspiracies
against Buddhists and emphasized the need for the Mahanayake Theras of the
Three Nikayas and the patriotic people of the country ‘to act in unison to face
such injustices.
The Sangha made sure that traditional Buddhist activities continued. A Pirit chanting was organized at 600 temples in June 2019 to invoke blessings to the country, tri-force personnel, Police, Government, and the people. The chanting was to start at Anuradhapura, with 500 bhikkhus chanting pirit at Ruwanvelisaya.. The annual peraheras would also continue. In June 2019, chief prelates met the Secretary of Defence to discuss security arrangements to the annual peraheras conducted at Kelaniya, Mahiyangana, Bellanvila, and Navagamuwa.
The Maha
Sangha have taken a fearless stand against Yahapalana government. Ven.Elle Gunananda said the Yahapalana ‘lied
and lied to us’ (boru kivuva).
Ven.Omalpe Sobitha said there must be a firm Sinhala leadership in
Parliament. The tail cannot be allowed to wag the dog. Ven.Wattegama PItiyegedera observed that we
do not have a national policy that can survive changes of government.
The Maha
Sangha have made their political position clear .Wattegama PItiyegedera said
that Vigneswaran had met the Malwatte and Asgiriya sangha and said they want
federalism. Wattegama Pitiyegedera reported that the Sangha straightaway said
they cannot agree this.
The Maha
Sangha have also made it clear that they
support Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the next President of Sri Lanka. Gotabhaya did a well planned tour of the major temples
of the country. The chief priest of each temple spoke and the speeches were
shown on television news. They had clearly planned their speeches beforehand and chose their words carefully.
The speeches were political statements intended for the public and Yahapalana.
At Kiri vehera, the camera showed a bikkhu recording the proceedings with a
smart phone.
The itinerary
went as follows. Gotabhaya first went, with his retinue to Anuradhapura where he
worshipped at Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruvanveli seya, Mirisavati, Lankarama and
Jayanthi vihara. At Ruvanvali seya
1500 monks conducted an adistana
puja. The heads of these temples greeted him as a promising future leader.
After
visiting the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, and receiving the blessing of the Sangha
at Malwatte and Asgiriya temples as well as pirit nool. Gota travelled south,
to Kiri vehera at Kataragama, where there was an ashirvada puja and 500 monks
chanted Jaya pirit.
The chief
priest of Kiri vehera, Kobawaka Dhamminna said we will support anybody who is
prepared to protect Buddhism and our land .We hope that Gotabhaya will take up
that responsibility. Bellanwila Dhammaratna said the country had fallen to
nought today in terms of security and economy. Mahinda Rajapaksa made [an
impact]. ‘You are his brother. You have the ability to take this country out of
this mess. You have experience. Do the
right thing. We will support you.’
Uva Wellassa Sanghanayake Kandaudapanguwe
Sudamma said ‘look into security,
foreigners cannot poke their noses [into our affairs]. Create a good
country, a strong, courageous one where Sinhalese can live with pride. You have
the strength to do this. Today Sangha lack respect. They are insulted. We
cannot be expected to tolerate this.
The Maha Sangha is for the country, its Sasana, and its culture.’
Gotabhaya
then went to Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara where Develegama Dhammasena spoke. At Matara
Paraduwa Jinaratna, head of a Sangha organization, wished Gota success at the elections, the solidarity of the Rajapaksa brothers is an
example to the nation, he said. People
are on fire, he continued, they are
scared the country will be handed over to a foreign power. Stop those who are robbing the state, selling the state, save it from foreigners, protect
Buddhism, get rid of this irreligious government, which has encouraged Sangha bedhaya .There must be a love for the country, he concluded.
At Alutgama
Kande viharaya, Malegoda Nanda said
head of state must have ‘eveseema’. ‘As
Defence Secretayr you showed that quality’. At the Kalutara bodiya Waskaduwe Mahindawansa told Gotabhaya ‘you gave a very good speech at the launch in
Colombo it had no mud, no division, you
got your ideas across very effectively’.
There was pirit at Wadduwa bodhiraja.
Pannipitiya
Rukmale Sri Dharma Vijayaloka’s chief priest, Ittapane Dhamalankara said most politicians are busy slinging mud
at each other from the mud hole they have got into. They are placing the
population in danger. ‘Like you got us out of the war you should
try to get us out of this mud hole too.
You have shown by action, not talk your ability and won the admiration
and respect of the public. I declare
that you are the most suitable as our leader.’
At Mount
Lavinia Dharmapala aramaya Ramannya chief prelate Kotugoda Dhammavasa said the public hare hoping now for a good leader.
They eagerly await a leader who will
provide a ‘kramavath ayurin rata hikmavagena nisi paripalanayak. ‘with
help of the Maha Sangha and public we
hope that you will be able to create a country which regains its self respect
and we pray that you will have the strength, power and support of the public to
achieve this.’ I have given this
programme at length because I wish to show
the huge , island wide support given by the Sangha to Gotabhaya and the
issues the Sangha consider important.
The Maha Sangha was aware of the animosity of Yahapalana towards the Sangha. Keppetiyagoda Sirinimala of Getambe temple said in 2017 that usually when there was a crisis,
the bhikkhus came forward, ‘now they are
denigrating the monks.’ A protest march and a meeting of the Maha Sangha
was held in Kandy in July 2019 because some NGOs and
other organizations had
challenged a statement made by the Mahanayake of Asgiriya .The march
was organized by several Sangha organizations,
including Jathika Sangha Sabha and Thri
Nikayika Bhikshu Ekamuthuwa.
The Maha
Sangha have emphasized their unity by appearing in formidable groups, not
singly. At the National Conference on Peace, Harmony and Co existence, July
2019, one half of the BMICH auditorium
was given over to the Sangha, who could
be seen seated en masse, in a blaze of saffron. (See Derana news 31.7.19 at
at13.53).
There was a media conference to report the decision of the Kotte Sri
Kalyani Samagri Dhamma Maha Sangha Sabha regarding the proposed new
constitution. The opening shot showed a group of 12 or so, red and yellow clad Bhikkus emerging
from the discussion led by the chief
priest. The chief priests spoke to the camera with this group standing behind
him, in full view of the camera, looking very
serious and formidable. It was impressive. (see Derana 6.55 news
22.10.17 at 15.10) Camera also showed them going into the meeting.
The third example is from the ‘Jathika Maga’ conference
held by Maha Sangha Samuluva at BMICH
in June 2019 . This showed three
or four rows of monks, on the stage, sitting amidst a set which included Anuradhapura style pillars, a Samadhi statue
and a Dagoba.
The Sangha
also spoke out regarding non-conformist bhikkhus. In 2017,
after a meeting of the Karaka Sangha Sabha, the Mahanayake of the Asgiriya
Chapter, announced Although we do not approve the aggressive behavior and
speech of Bhikkhu Galabodaatte Gnanasara the viewpoint expressed by him cannot
be discarded. Insulting Bhikkhus by various groups without inquiring into the
veracity of the issues raised cannot be
condoned.”
A historic agreement merging the Amarapura and
Ramanna Chapters was signed in Colombo, in August 2019. The two chapters will hereafter be
known as a single entity: Sri Lanka Amarapura Ramanna Samagri Maha Sangha
Sabha.” The agreement was signed by the Amarapura Chapter Mahanayake, the Ven.
Kotugoda Dhammavasa , and the Ramanna Chapter Mahanayaka, the Ven. Napana
Pemasiri. The two prelates will hereafter function as Joint Chairpersons of the
new Sangha Sabha.
The agreement marks a turning point in the
history of the Buddha Sasana in the country. It was reached after years of
talks. Six major aims were cited as the reasons for the merger. These included
the need to take decisions jointly regarding issues affecting the Buddha Sasana
and the country, building a disciplined Sangha society and providing guidance
to young learned Buddhist monks to face social challenges. Ven. Kotugoda
Dhammavasa said there was no reason why the two Chapters should remain separate
as they were started by the pupils of the same monk. The Sangha now urgently
needed a Sangadhikarana and a
Kathikawatha. We have submitted the recommendations, for a Sanghadhikarana, but nothing has happened so far, said the Sangha.
It should be noted however, that the three nikayas have been working together for a long time before the merger. For
instance, in December 2018 a decree by
the tri nikaya was announced at the Jathika Maha Sangha Samuluwa led by the
prelates of the three nikayas at Nelum Pokuna, Colombo.
The Easter Sunday
bombings mark a significant coming together of the Catholic Church and the Maha
Sangha. The Catholic Church and the Maha Sangha appeared together on one platform after this sad event. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith took the lead.
Cardinal Malcolm
Ranjith held two joint press conferences with the Maha Sangha regarding the
bomb blasts. The Maha Sangha was
represented by Ven. Ittapane Dhammalankara, Chancellor of the University of Sri
Jayewardenepura, and chief priest of Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha
Sangha Sabha of Siyam Maha Nikaya. In
July 2019, Kirinde Dhammakusala, chief incumbent of Sri
Bodhi temple at Bopitiya and Rev Francis Jayakody parish priest of Pamunugama
were special invitees to the meeting of the Pamunugama Welfare Association of
Bopitiya.
After the Easter
Sunday bombings, the Sangha decided to send the Muslims, as well as Yahapalana
and the USA a strong message. 50 bhikkus ,from Bellanwila Raja Maha Vihara went
by bus to Katuwapitiya church, and were met by the chief priest of the Church.
They exchanged greetings, went into the church and surveyed the damage done.
Then in a symbolic gesture of sympathy, several bhikkus took brooms and swept
the compound. This is a most unusual event and it must be
recognized as such. Derana
television gave it lengthy coverage.
This can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip7WwvJJL9w&t=1707s.
Ven. Bellanwila
Dhammarathana invited His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith to join a pooja at
Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya in August 2019
to invoke merit on those killed, which he did with all reverence.
Yahapalana has inadvertently,
helped to establish Sri Lanka as a Buddhist country. It happened like this. Mangala
Samaraweera said on 13 May 2019 that Sri
Lanka was not a Buddhist country. There
was a howl. Of course it is a Buddhist country said the Buddhists. Yes it is, added the Hindus, Christians and
Muslims independent of each other.
Cardinal Malcolm
Ranjith said it could not be disputed that Sri Lanka was a Buddhist country.
Sri Lanka is a Sinhala Buddhist country
said Faizer Mustapha. So did Minister Mano Ganesan.. Navinda Jayasinghe
speaking for Catholics said this is Sinhala Buddhist country, there is nothing
to argue about it. Its identity is Sinhala Buddhism. Vadivel Suresh said there
are no two words about It. Buddhism is
the senior religion under which come the
junior religions of Hinduism, Islam and
Christianity.
The Sangha spoke up. The religious groups in
this country should keep it in mind that Buddhists in Sri Lanka had always
respected and allowed unhindered the existence of other religions, said
Asgiriya in an official statement. We
condemn acts by other religious groups that insult this tolerant Buddhist
ethic,”.
The rest
agreed. They also announced, with appreciation, that it was the Buddhist ethos
that permitted them to practice their
religion with complete freedom. Faizer Mustapha said it was the Buddhist ethos that permitted the other religions
to follow their religions peacefully
and exercise their rights.
However, long before all this, In Sept 2018 Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith was present at the
prize giving of Kanduboda Shri Saranankara Daham Pasala in Delgoda, organized
by the Ven. Parakaduwe Sri Saranankara with Chancellor of the Kelaniya
University Ven. Dr. Walamitiyawe Kusaladhamma
presiding.
Cardinal
Malcolm Ranjith said at this event that Buddhism was the backbone of this country and it was a religion
which had been followed by the people in this land for a long time. People who had been shaped by Buddhist
civilization do not violate human rights. He added that a society which
attempts to make human rights a religion, could safeguard human rights
effectively through Buddhist teaching.
Rights of all people in this country are safeguarded when Buddhist
culture is safeguarded, he said. Human
rights are safeguarded in our country much more than what is prescribed by the
UN because of the Buddhist environment,” he added. Since we have inherited a great culture
over the years, there is no need to think about human rights in a special way Anti-religious ideologies are being filtered
into the society today. We have to put them aside and safeguard religions,” he
said. ( Concluded)
ADDITION
NO 1.
When Mahinda Rajapaksa took over at Prime
Minister in Oct 2018, he emphasized the Buddhist connection. He went to several
temples, Abhayarama first, of course, then to Kelaniya, Vidyalankara and also
Anuradhapura. He received
the blessings of, among other bhikkhus, Ven. Welamitiyawe
Kusala Dhamma and Ven Kumburugama
Vajira
ADDITION
NO 2.
In November
2018, Chief Sangha Nayake of North Central Province and Chief Incumbent of
Jayanti Viharaya, Anuradhapura, Ven
Nugetenne Pagnnananda said what was important was not individuals or
political parties, but the national interest. Those who sought the intervention
of foreigners in the internal affairs of the country put national sovereignty
in peril.”We should solve our internal issues ourselves. Already foreign
powers have poked their fingers into our affairs”, he added. In the past
Sri Lankans had invited Dutch to save them from the Portuguese and,
subsequently enlisted the support of the British to get rid of the Dutch.
Finally, the entire country had been ruled by the British. “Hence, I
request all concerned not to invite foreign powers to interfere with matters
concerning our country”, he said.
ADDITION
NO 3
In August
2019, at a Yuthukama meeting Ven. Elle Gunawansa made a stirring speech. He critiqued
Yahapalana in strong terms. He said the first thing that Yahapalana was looking
at from the time it came to power was how to hit the Buddha Sasana. So they
brought in a Theravada bhikkhu kativatatak. If this katikavata had gone through
I would not be standing here speaking to you and the Diyawadana Nilame would
have been in prison, he said.
Then came the
pin petty issue. Elle Gunawansa
also spoke of the Cultural
Triangle, which now has 6 billion rupees in its fund. ‘This is our money’, said
the thera. It was made by displaying Buddhist
viharas, and ancient ruins. No other government after independence has
created a greater ‘vinase’ than this government. So don’t be fooled. This is
your last chance, he said. We need an ‘ayomaya nayakayek’. Not someone who will
kneel before the west. If you make a mistake don’t come saying sorry. ‘I am
very upset’ he concluded.
ADDITION
NO 4.
A resolution
to remove Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe from the post of Chairman was
passed by the Dayaka Sabha of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, in September 2019.
The resolution was moved by a member of the Kelaniya Seela Bhavana Samitiya and
seconded by Co-Secretary of the Dayaka Sabaha. around 300 members of the
Sabha were present .Ven. Kollupitiye
Mahinda Chief Incumbent of the temple inquired from the Sabha whether there was
anyone supportive of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, and seven members of the
Sabha raised their hands in support of the Prime Minister. Ven. Prof.
Kollupitiye Mahinda then announced that the matter would be referred to the
Executive Committee of the Sabha for a final decision to be taken.
ADDITION
NO 5
The 155 birth
anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala was celebrated at Sugathadasa Stadium in
September 2019. Television cameras showed a huge crowd and many monks. Several
bhikkhus, including Polipiti Mukalane Pannasiri spoke. Ven.Medagoda Abhayatissa
made an unprecedented reference to politicians
who go about ‘holding their male partners by the hand’. Bhikkhus so not usually touch on this subject.
Elle Gunawansa again let go. He said the
Anagarika fought British rule. Today also we have become a subject state and we
are now seeing a ‘sanskrutika vinasayak’. Once again we are strangled by a
foreign power. Both laymen and bhikkhus must get together to save the country.
When we talk of a Sinhala jatiya they say we are rousing communal feelings. That
criticism is made only to us.
ADDITION
NO 6
In September
2019, there was a huge meeting for the presentation of the report Sammuthiye
Malimawa” or modern dasa panatha at BMICH hall by Jathika vidvat Bhikkshu
Peramuna .This report focused on the 13th Amendment and the Executive
President. The bhikkhus said they do not like the executive Presidency but as
long as the 13th amendment is there, the Executive President also must be
there. Otherwise the country will divide into two.
The bhikkhus
spoke of puppet government and NGO rule. Walpola Piyananda of Washington said
that now there are over one million Buddhists in USA and more are joining in. The
‘film personality’ (Ranjan Ramanayake) who is attacking the Sangha is not doing
this on his own, he is pushed into it by others. Diviyagaha Yasassi let go against Yahapalana government
. What damage they have caused to the country from Bank scam onwards. This is our last chance to save the
country, he said.
ADDITION
NO 7
In October 2019 Mahanayake of Asgiri, Ven
Warakagoda Sri Nanaratana said, speaking before the media, if we do not vote
intelligently we may lose this country. This is seen as the last chance. Ven
Pallegama Vijitha said they are assaulting our country at all levels. At the
next Presidential election, don’t vote for those who give handouts. vote for those who offer
you an economic policy which you can earn and feed yourself. This is our
last change. Vote wisely or we lose the country. (END)
ADDITION
NO 7
In October 2019 Mahanayake of Asgiri, Ven
Warakagoda Sri Nanaratana said, speaking before the media, if we do not vote
intelligently we may lose this country. This is seen as the last chance. Ven
Pallegama Vijitha said they are assaulting our country at all levels. At the
next Presidential election, don’t vote for those who give handouts. vote for those who offer
you an economic policy which you can earn and feed yourself. This is our
last change. Vote wisely or we lose the country.[1] (END)
[1] Derana news 6.55 3.10.19
