Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the time had come for the public to come forward against those who insult the Maha Sangha and to safeguard the Buddha Sasana from what he described as various attacks and challenges.
Premadasa made these remarks after attending a series of religious observances held to commemorate the founders of the Sri Jayawardenaramaya Temple in Kotte recently.
He stated that it was the responsibility of the people to protect the honourable and venerated Maha Sangha, whom he described as guardians of the Buddha Sasana, from disparaging remarks and hostile actions.
Referring to recent statements made on political platforms by some ministers, Premadasa criticised comments that allegedly described members of the Maha Sangha as “savages” and suggested that “Bruce Lee-style blows” should be directed at them. He characterised such remarks as vulgar, uncivilised, and undisciplined, and called for legal action against those responsible.
Premadasa further asserted that attempts to verbally attack the Maha Sangha amounted to an affront to the Constitution. He emphasised that the supreme law of the land provides protection to the Buddha Sasana and said that no one would be allowed to “lay a hand” on the Maha Sangha or the Sasana.
He added that the duty of any Government was to promote Buddhism while safeguarding other religions and cultures in the country. Statements made by certain Ministers, he said, only served to promote hatred, anger, and division.
Responsible public representatives, he stressed, should speak in a manner that unites the country rather than divides it.
Premadasa also reiterated that Sri Lanka is not a secular state, noting that the country is home to followers of multiple faiths. He said that the moral values inherent in all religions should be utilised to build a disciplined and civilised society.
While upholding the foremost place accorded to Buddhism, he called for a programme that protects other religious communities and fosters unity, urging all citizens to come together without division in the interest of national harmony.
