Chief Prelates want laws against ideologies harming Buddhism

14 January 2024 07:35 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 35

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In the wake of recent incidents of groups spreading false ideologies about Buddhism, the Chief Prelates (Mahanayaka Theros) from all three Buddhist Chapters in Sri Lanka have issued a joint letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, calling for the implementation of laws against such groups.

Expressing concern over the perceived threat to Buddhist philosophy and cultural values, the Chief Prelates emphasized that the actions of these groups can no longer be dismissed as isolated incidents.

The Mahanayaka Theros underscored the need to move beyond merely addressing individual events and urged the formulation of legal provisions to prevent the recurring distortion of Buddhist principles, referred to as 'Dharma distortions' and 'Sasana distortions.'

They highlighted the urgency of creating legal measures to combat individuals promoting such distortions through social media, causing social disturbances within the Buddhist community.

Comments - 35

Buddhist person Sunday, 14 January 2024 07:48 PM

Some people

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Practice Loving Kindness Tuesday, 16 January 2024 04:09 AM

All religions should be treated respectfully. No religion promotes hate

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Buddhist person Sunday, 14 January 2024 07:48 PM

Some people

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Buddhist person Sunday, 14 January 2024 07:48 PM

Some people

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Buddhist person Sunday, 14 January 2024 07:48 PM

Some people

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Buddhist person Sunday, 14 January 2024 07:48 PM

Some people

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Buddhist person Sunday, 14 January 2024 07:48 PM

Some people

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Buddhist person Sunday, 14 January 2024 07:48 PM

Some people

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Sam Silva Sunday, 14 January 2024 08:40 PM

Certainly Ranil will do as per request. However other religions are not really important to our country. As an example the Easter bombing still being invested when it happened during his watch if I am correct. All religions have the same equal rights but since Buddhism is the main religion in the country, others do not have much say.

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Ravana Monday, 15 January 2024 08:35 AM

He has a point there

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Vis Sunday, 14 January 2024 09:56 PM

you some how get free meals... we are all bankrupt with your great advices to government.

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Atheist Sunday, 14 January 2024 10:02 PM

@sam silva you are living in your own world. Sri Lanka is a secular country. Even if one person follows a ‘ miraculous religion’, he / she has the same right as other religions. You haven’t travel abroad to gain experience and see the world. You are classed as ‘ a frog in a well’ attitude in life and outlook. Grow up please.

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Practising BUDDHIST Sunday, 14 January 2024 10:35 PM

Sadhu! Sadhu!! Sadhu!! Let the Chief Prelates lead by example... We need to see them observing ALL 220 odd Vinaya Rules...

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Feel Entitled Tuesday, 16 January 2024 04:04 AM

Some have forgotten or feel it’s no longer important. After all, most people even during these challenging times contribute massively material things. They feel they are an entitled group!

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johan Sunday, 14 January 2024 10:59 PM

The Chief prelates have more responsible job to bless the corrupt politicians and send them to rule the country.Other than that they have nothing to do.

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Authoritarianism to use law to control private religion views Sunday, 14 January 2024 11:16 PM

Sri Lanka should aspire to become a liberal democracies, where freedom of thought and expression are encouraged. However, there is too much extremists who are against such. Our country is now in the bad books, since the stupid idea to condemn Sweden for the book burnings done as protest of religious authoritarianism.

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Fred Monday, 15 January 2024 01:21 AM

Buddhism is practiced in many countries not just SL where it is the majority religion. It is a world religion And it seems to flourish in those countries along with other religions and ideologies. Could it be how it is practiced in SL that should be looked into and addressed. Non-violence, tolerance, renouncing materialism and other great precepts that has given it its universal appeal

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pin Bath Monday, 15 January 2024 01:59 AM

You Lot are the true bane of this country.

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L Monday, 15 January 2024 02:03 AM

Having additional laws will not resolve some blokes preaching harmful things against any religion. When the heads of religions speak, there will be tendency to do more harm. I believe the available provisions are more than enough without highlighting the need for additional provisions in law

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Smh Monday, 15 January 2024 06:30 AM

Just maintain your peace under all circumstances as your religion teaches. Turn off the news and don't get involved in politics.

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Nawad Perera Monday, 15 January 2024 06:50 AM

The citizens can starve to death but the whimsical request by a priest must be adhered to.

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Political priest Monday, 15 January 2024 06:52 AM

Give another excuse for the corrupt president to throw innocent people in jail.

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AIA Monday, 15 January 2024 08:56 AM

More than the distortion of relegious teachings, the social catastrophe these fanatics cause should be adaddressed very seriously

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Pullma Dingalinga Monday, 15 January 2024 09:10 AM

Only inferior complexes feel the need to defend themselves so vehemently. Have a good dinner and go to bed Mahanayakes.

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Sokrates Monday, 15 January 2024 09:20 AM

What can happen through blasphemy laws is known from the Middle Ages. Such laws do not belong in a liberal modern age, especially not in a secular democratic country like Sri Lanka. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that is far more important than the special protection of a particular religion. Every religious community must be able to tolerate criticism. If religious leaders are directly insulted, there are laws against it. The men in Orange want such laws because they loose their influence over the people and their power over the country. The better way for Buddhism would be if the monks led a humble life, helped the population, did not get involved in politics, make hate speeches against other ethnicities, and followed Lord Buddha's rules (begging food with a begging bowl and do not binge, do not take alcohol or drugs, do not commit crimes, do not harass other people by blasting loudspeakers and do not sexually abuse small boys).

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Tissa Fernando Monday, 15 January 2024 07:27 PM

Thank you Mr Ancient Philosopher for an unbiased view of the subject. Yes , the monks should lead a humble life, should focus on developing youth with self belief, monks should step out and do social work, they should also talk in decent language and should not identify as Sinhala Buddhist. Laws will not work.

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Ron Monday, 15 January 2024 10:16 AM

Today's societies have somany issues need fixing poor discipline respect feelings and basic behavior decency in all format need to be thought in all ages only very few are honest decent and educated practice good habits . Basic human behavior come from home then schools Religious beliefs etc..now days majority have no fear no respect extremely shellfish and have no feelings.......wild

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Buddhist Monday, 15 January 2024 05:22 PM

Why protect only Buddhism? Why not protect the doctrines of all religions? Special status should not be given to any single religion, all religions should have equal status.

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Atheist Monday, 15 January 2024 05:45 PM

Reply to atheist: Sri Lanka a secular country????? Are you serious?????

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Ranaweera Monday, 15 January 2024 06:40 PM

This is another ruse created by the government to deviate the economic ordeal of people in another direction.

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Fred Tuesday, 16 January 2024 03:49 AM

Are we witnessing the signs of a nation fighting for survival, so insecure that it is frightened of itself?

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Buddipala Gonkanda Tuesday, 16 January 2024 05:42 AM

It may be too late? Where were you sleeping? Good cars - good food - good trips donated through stolen funds by politicians - need to enjoy all!

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Ranjith Tuesday, 16 January 2024 06:18 AM

Election time well planned another political drama Ranil will act very fast to show he is the saviour of Buddhist actually is not

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melville perera Tuesday, 16 January 2024 09:20 AM

these mysteriously mushrooming religious fanatics born again from nowhere should not be permitted to roam our streets under guise of freedom of speech and spreading their halucinations to a gullible gathering akin to such characters who invaded our country centuries back in similar fashion and now attempting to control our country Jesus preached his doctrine walking the streets of the middle east countries where he was born unlike our present day "SPIRITUAL LEADERS' who have yet to perform a spiritual if not a miraculous event as proof of their doctrine while moving around in bourgeous attire and the latest luxury vehicles These fanatics ask us to pray for PEACE and COMFORT and how often we hear the phrase LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER and what do we currently see INNOCENT HUMAN LIVES BRAZENLY SLAUGHTERED by human beings under guise of democracy and brag about the death toll and all this happening in the country of birth of Jesus. Where are these religious leaders who behave like cryp

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Fred Tuesday, 16 January 2024 10:41 AM

Regulate the money supply for what you consider are these mushrooming organizations have some rules for that which is probably where the problem is

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