We face repercussions of handing over country to politicians: Prelate

• The people of the country did not rule the country, but only two parties 
• Do not attempt to do anything to force us to come to the streets”

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

What we are experiencing now is the consequence of handing over everything in the country to politicians, the Chairman of the National Movement for the Protection of the Nation Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera said.  

“We have never heard of an era where the people of our country are suffering as much as they do these days,” he lamented.  

He told the media yesterday that the people of the country did not rule the country, but only two parties. The people do not have sovereignty, he said.   
“Now I am hearing several opinions being discussed about the issues in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of the country. 

 
“The Government should not do that. It will be creating more national problems at a time when people are worried over their next meals,” he said.   “Political parties are pre-occupied with issues in the North and East, but the people of the country are not,” he said.  

“The Constitution says that it shall give the foremost place to Buddhism while protecting and nurturing it, and it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana. But it has not mentioned a proper definition of how to protect and foster Buddha Sasana. That means the Constitution has misled us.”  

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana was present at the event. Ven. Gunawansa Thera said, “foreigners used to visit Sri Lanka to admire our culture, ancient temples, and many other sights. The Government was nurtured by the revenue from foreign tourists because of the cultural monuments in the country. But the Government has forgotten that.”   “We are unable to switch on the lights due to the recent increase in the electricity tariff. Do not attempt to do anything to force us to come to the streets,” Ven. Gunawansa Thera cautioned.  
“I’ve heard some Ministers speak arrogantly. Those are not the people who go to temples or are devout. We want to remind this Government not to work in a way to undermine Buddhism,” he added. 

• We want to remind this Government not to work in a way to undermine Buddhism