Chief Sanghanayake expelled by Malwatte Chapter

By Shane Seneviratne   

The Chief Sanghanayake of Badulla, Binthenna and the Eastern Province Ven, Badulugammana Sumanasara Thera has been removed from the post with immediate effect by the Malwatta Chapter.   Chief Lekakadhikari of the Malwatta Chapter Ven Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Thera in a press communique said this action was taken on the decision of Malwatta Maha Vihara Karaka Maha Sangha Sabha that met on May 04, 2024, in view of the anti- Buddhist and despicable activities unbecoming of Ven. Sumanasara Thera who has been promoting the derogatory preaching of Meewanapalane Sri Dhammalankara.    Ven. Dr. Sri Sumangala Thera said Meewanapalane Dhammalankara, misusing the robes, had attempted to distort the teachings of the Buddha and propagated views against the traditions of the Mahavihara and the preaching of three segments of Buddha Dhamma which resulted in expelling him from Sangha Sasana. He had attempted to promote a misconception that Sri Lanka was the birthplace of the Buddha.   

“However, Ven Badulugammana Sumanasara Thera has attempted to re-enter Meewanapalane Dhammalankara to Malwatta Maha Vihara Chapter by forwarding a declaration to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs to register Dhammalankara as a novice monks who entered the order under his tutelage,” Ven. Sri Sumangala Thera said.   

He said Ven. Sumanasara Thera had undermined the traditions of the order of Buddhist monks and brought disrepute to Malwatta Maha Viharaya.