National Bhikkhu Unity Convener Ven. Alapathgama Gnanarathana Thera has raised concerns that social media appears to be “taking the law into its hands,” despite Sri Lanka having a Supreme Court and a respected legal community.
Addressing a media briefing yesterday (27), the Thera said current developments in society give rise to a reasonable concern that social media platforms are increasingly influencing matters outside the country’s legal and judicial framework.
He urged the President to take firm decisions to regulate social media and prevent what he described as attacks on the Buddha Sasana.
Ven. Gnanarathana Thera stated that the Maha Sangha and the saffron robe had historically played a central role in protecting the country and Buddhism.
He said that even historical rulers such as Dutugemunu and Valagamba had responded to external and other challenges by placing the Buddhist clergy and the robe at the forefront, adding that rulers of the past had regarded the Sangha and the robe as a protective force.
“Anyone looking from the outside can understand that our country has a Supreme Court and distinguished lawyers. Yet, setting aside these institutions, we are seeing developments that make us feel as though social media has taken the law into its hands,” he said.
He further claimed that, throughout history, kings, ministers and state leaders had turned to the protection and guidance of the Buddhist clergy in addressing social and religious challenges.
