Work together with the thought ‘all are Sri Lankans’: Independent Maha Sangha team

An independent team of Maha Sangha have released a special statement to the media asserting that all religious leaders including Buddhist clergy to date had worked and contributed enormously to protect the motherland, nation, religion and culture and similarly, all ethnic groups diligently and cordially had done their part. 

All communities and followers of all religious faiths in the future too must work together with the thought “all are Sri Lankans,” the statement said, adding, “We appeal to you, including the Buddhist clergy and other religious leaders, to come together to defeat all forces that are attempting to divide this land or destroy the national unity.”

Ven. Ittapane Dhammalankara, Mahanayake Thero, Ven. Ganthure Assagee Thero, Ven. Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Thero, Ven. Ambewela Paggasara Thero, Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Thero, Ven. Prof Kollupitiye Sangarakkitha Thero, Ven. Kotapola Amarakiththi Theto, Ven. Prof Madagama Nandawasa Thero, Ven. Dr. Walpola Wimalagana AnunayakeThero, Ven. Prof. Pallekande Rathnasara Thero, Ven. Mederipiteye Tapassi Thero, Ven. Prof. Kiwlegedara Narada Thero, Ven. Prof. Kahapola Sugatharathana Thero, Ven. Homagama Dammananda Thero, Ven. Omare Kassapa Anunayake Thero, Ven. Prof. Magammana Paghghannda Thero, Ven. Prof. Madagampitiye WijithaDamma Thero, Ven. Kumbuke Chandaloka Thero, Ven Prof. Agalakada Sirisumana Thero and Ven. Prof. Iththademaliye Indasara Thero have signed the statement. 

The full statement is below: 

A kind intimation to all Sri Lankans

Sri Lanka is a unique country. Our country’s physical assets such as the strategic location, climate, geography, environment and water, coupled with our esteemed culture, the national heritage enriched with our archaeological endowments elevate our country’s standing among the countries in the world to high levels.

The unfortunate environment that developed during the recent past and the devastating events that have taken place have made the Buddhist clergy and other religious dignitaries sorrowful. Further, degradation and erosion of territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and ability to withstand foreign intervention, exacerbated by the breakdown of national security have been the cause for profound sadness and despair. It is so unfortunate that this uncertain climate and environment still prevails.

No one has been found guilty or accountable on the Central Bank bond scam where enormous amounts of money have been siphoned off. Those who killed hundreds of people by suicide bombings freely mingle in society. Furthermore, selling, leasing and disposing of portions of our country to foreign interests continue unabated, posing a huge threat to our independence. 

In the forthcoming Presidential Election, some candidates willing to implement proposals of certain politicians that would ultimately lead to the division of our country and a federal structure, are in the fray. As it is our prime and noble intention to ensure that all communities and followers of all religious faiths live harmoniously and in peace, respecting the main cultural ethos and Buddhism, we would call upon all candidates to openly declare and promise that they would protect the unitary status of our country, oppose federalism, and ensure national security. Those who would not so declare should be firmly rejected.

All religious leaders including Buddhist clergy to date have worked and contributed enormously to protect our motherland, nation, religion and culture. Similarly, all ethnic groups diligently and cordially have done their part. All communities and followers of all religious faiths in the future too, must work together with the thought “all are Sri Lankans”. Therefore, we appeal to you, including the Buddhist clergy and other religious leaders, to come together to defeat all forces that are attempting to divide this land or destroy the national unity.

We are kindly appealing to all, to cast your valuable vote at the forthcoming Presidential Election, to the most capable leader who will protect and preserve the unitary status of our country; ensure national security; enhance and promote local produce and production; pull the country out of the economic mess we are in; strictly enforce law and order; and restore civility by eliminating prevailing lawlessness. We further appeal to all the Buddhist clergy and other religious leaders to provide leadership to apprise the public of the need to elect our future president to ensure our country’s peace and prosperity.

May the noble Triple Gem bless you all.