Heed those fears over 13A

A recent paper by the wellknown researcher Dr Raoul Mc.Laughim, originally from Ireland had in his findings stated that during pre-Christian times Sri Lanka had diplomatic relations with Rome. Emperor Claudius 41-54 BCE had received a delegation from Sri Lanka which at the time was known as Taprobane to both the Greeks and Romans. Currently this paper is available on the internet.

It is a well-known fact that Sri Lanka is among the few countries that has a history that has been written for more than 2500 years. Not only that. it developed a unique culture of its own embodying a unique script, a unique language and unique laws and customs and when it came to defending it, the islanders fought against the invaders, intruders, and plunderers from both west and east. In this effort the Buddhist clergy was in the vanguard. So they, the Maha Sangha have an obligation and a right to safeguard it.

Javid Yusuf, one-time Ambassador, in his article to the Sunday Times on February 12 under the title “Unnecessary hullabaloo over the 13th Amendment” states that many of those who cry foul when the 13th Amendment have only one bogey to raise namely that the implementation of the 13th Amendment can lead to separation.” It is not so. Even now certain things are happening which normally the majority community would have resented. Once the 13th Aamendment is approved their fear is that they would be helpless.

Mr. Yusuf also states, “Those who have reservations about the full implementation of the 13th. Amendment could have articulated their fears in writing when the President gave them a deadline to do so by February 4. However they have not done so.”

Mr. Yusuf seems not aware that the Mahanayakas of the four Nikayas had addressed the President on this issue but had no reply.