• UNP calls for consultative approach

The National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) has urged the Buddhist clergy, the Government, and key Buddhist organisations to take immediate and coordinated action to safeguard the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka.

In a statement issued by its leader and former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, the organisation stated recent incidents involving members of the Buddhist clergy had caused distress among Buddhists and created divisions within society, making urgent intervention necessary.

The NMSJ noted the Buddha Sasana has been the foundation of Sri Lanka's cultural, literary and social development for more than 2,300 years and stressed the need to preserve its values and traditions as the country engages with the modern world.

Jayasuriya said the Chief Prelates of the main Buddhist sects had already shown concern over recent developments, and called for a dialogue involving the lay governing bodies of the three Buddhist sects, with the support of the Government. He added that institutions such as the Diyawadana Nilame's (Chief Lay Custodian of the Temple of the Tooth) office, the Amarapura Sect's lay committee, and the Ramanna Nikaya Protection Council could play a key role in the process.

The organisation also proposed the participation of Buddhist organisations including the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, Young Men's Buddhist Association, World Fellowship of Buddhists and Bauddhaloka Foundation in such an initiative.

The statement noted the Theravada Bhikkhu Kathikawath (Registration) Bill, drafted in 2015 under the guidance of the then Chief Prelates, was never implemented due to the absence of consensus on several issues. It suggested that the relevant sections of the Vihara Devalagam Act (Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance) could be brought into force and the necessary authority vested in Sangha Councils headed by the Chief Prelates.

The UNP stated there is already an established process for addressing issues related to Buddhist monks’ discipline and that any reforms should be undertaken in consultation with the Buddhist clergy.

In a statement, the party stated that relevant Cabinet papers should first be prepared and presented to the Chief Prelates and the Buddhist clergy before any decisions are made. It added that all actions should be guided by long-standing traditions and accepted procedures.

The statement also alleged that certain social media platforms linked to the Government were engaged in an organised campaign targeting the Buddha Sasana and Buddhism, and claimed that certain sections of civil society had also become involved in those efforts.