Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Dr. Walawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, has alleged that an organised campaign is under way to undermine the Buddhist clergy, claiming that segments of the public — including women — have been influenced to criticise and blame monks.

Speaking from China in a recorded message, the Thero said certain groups were attempting to erode traditional social and religious values by promoting what he described as “non-religious” and “homosexual” movements. He claimed that these developments had led to a decline in the respect traditionally afforded to the Sangha.

“Today, even women have been influenced to blame the Buddhist monk,” he said, alleging that modern technology and social media were being used to belittle members of the clergy in a manner he described as unprecedented in the country’s history.

The Thera also addressed the administration of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stating that the Government’s mandate was temporary and conditional. “People hand over the country to be governed on a five-year rent,” he said, referring to the electoral term. “If those entrusted with that responsibility attempt to claim permanent ownership or destroy the cultural value system of this country, that will remain an impossible dream.”

He further accused the Government of moving towards what he termed “Marxist, Communist and Fascist” approaches, which he claimed were inconsistent with the mandate granted by the electorate.

Expressing concern over recent public statements made by certain ministers, the Thero alleged that monks had been labelled “thugs” and that remarks had been made suggesting they should be “suppressed” or dealt with forcefully. He also claimed selective enforcement by law enforcement authorities, referring to the National People’s Power’s compass symbol and alleging that the Sri Lanka Police had effectively become a “Malima Police” that investigates matters favourable to the Government while ignoring what he described as organised insults directed at the Sangha.

In response to what he described as escalating attacks on the clergy, the Thera announced that a national convention of the Maha Sangha, described as a “Sangha Kathikawatha,” has been convened for Friday, 20 February, at 2.00 p.m. at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall in Colombo. He called on monks representing all Nikayas, as well as members of all communities — Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim — to attend the gathering, which he said would seek to provide guidance and counsel to the Government.

Although he will be unable to attend the event in person due to prior commitments in China, the Thero said the initiative had his full support. He added that members of the clergy were prepared to “sacrifice their lives to protect the country” if necessary.