Mahanayaka Theras express displeasure over the move to decriminalize homosexuality

By Yohan Perera   

The most venerable Mahanayaka Theras of the four chapters in a letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe had expressed displeasure over the move to decriminalize homosexuality through a private members Bill.  

The Mahanayaka Thera of Malwathu Chapter Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, Maha Nayaka of the Asgiri Chapter Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, Mahanayaka of Amarapura Chapter Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayaka Thera and Mahanayaka of Ramanna Chapter Venerable Makullewe Wimala Thera in their letter addressed to President expressed their displeasure over the move by the MPs to approve the said legislation. “The legislation if approved by the MPs will affect the culture and social values which are maintained by Sri Lankan society historically.   

“We trust that you as a person who talks of Buddhist teachings and values often will focus on this legislation and do the needful,” they told the President in their letter.   

“Homosexuality will lead Sri Lankan people to behave like animals without respecting the bonds with parents, brothers and sisters. The Buddha in his Chakkawathi Sihanada Suthra had taught that improper sexual behaviour will destroy a person’s complexion, life span and it will lead to social decline.” The letter further said.