WHY SHOULD BUDDHIST PRIESTS ENTER POLITICS?
Anunayaka of the Kotte Kalyani Samashri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha Ven Itthepana Dhammalankara Thera said that Buddhist monks should not take to politics, a practice considered taboo for Buddhist monks.
Addressing a ceremony to present the act of appointment as Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Palindanuwara to Saddharma Kirthi Ven. Matugama Mangala Thera, Ven. Dhammalankara Thera pointed out that the world opinion about Buddhist monks who entering politics is distressing. “During my tours abroad, many foreigners taking an interest in Buddhism expressed concern about Buddhist monks who were being elected to parliament. I was not able to answer their ques-
Buddhist monks should uphold their dignity and discipline to set an example to Buddhists in the world and should stay away from politics Many foreigners taking an interest in Buddhism expressed concern about Buddhist monks who were being elected to parliament. I was not able to answer their questions regarding the Buddhist clergy entering the field of politics.
tions regarding the Buddhist clergy entering the field of politics. Buddhist monks should uphold their dignity and discipline to set an example to Buddhists in the world and should stay away from politics. However, many Buddhist monks are rendering a yeoman service to protect Buddhism. It is a matter of elation that Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka have made many sacrifices to save the country from foreign invasions. They campaign on behalf of religious or national issues and injustices affecting the people. However, the peo- ple would not respect Buddhist monks who turn into politicians,” Ven. Dhammalanka Thera said. The Mahasangha including Chief Incumbent of the Bopitiya Indrasabha Temple Ven Bopitiya Gnanawansa Thera and Kalutara District Parliamentarian Palitha Thewarapperuma addressed the gathering. Ranjith Somawansa Deputy Chairman of the Western Provincial Council and Dr. Ranjith Dissanayake and several local politicians were present at the ceremony.