'Buddhist Monks Should Not Be Too Much Involved In Politics' : DM

November 20, 2014

Buddhist Monks have no right to get involved too much in politics, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said.

Speaking at the parliament yesterday, he stated that even Prince Siddhartha left his palace refusing the throne, saying that he wanted to be the Buddha and not the king, Jayaratne added.

Likewise, Buddhist monks should be involved in religious activities rather than politics, the Prime Minister said, adding that the political arena is too rocky for religius leaders.

Jayaratne also added that he was hearing rumors that some of these monks are involved in politics after accepting money from foreign agents.

However, while he was speaking, opposition whip John Amaratunge interjected by asking if the Prime Minister took four years to realize this situation.

In reply the Prime Minister said that these things were wrong according to the Bible also.