PRELATE CALLS ONUR DRAMAS AN INSULT TO BUDDHISM

ONUR had produced radio dramas bearing titles derogatory to Buddhism and Buddhist culture

Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Southern Province Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thera yesterday charged that the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) headed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga had produced radio dramas bearing titles derogatory to Buddhism and Buddhist culture.

PRELATE CALLS ONUR DRAMAS AN INSULT TO BUDDHISM

When translated into English, one such title means ‘ nudity is the best policy

He said this at the function to mark the centenary of the Vajirarama Temple held at the BMICH last evening.

He said the titles given to these dramas with the aim of uplifting Buddhism brings the religion into ridicule.

“When translated into English,one such title means ‘ nudity is the best policy’.“one could refrain from adhering to Buddhism but he or she should not ridicule the Dhamma,” the thera said.

Venerable Sobitha Thera said the decision made by President Maithripala Sirisena to ban several such offensive drama programmes was timely.

He said there were two sections of society whose prime duty should be to safeguard Buddhism and the culture of this country. They are the rulers of this nation and the Buddhist clergy and laity together.“taking this into account one wonders whether our rulers are doing enough to safeguard Buddhism in this country,” he added.