Chief Sangha Nayake of the Sri Lanka Ramannya Nikaya Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera said that if the tussle between the two factions of the ‘Ape Janabala Pakshaya’ (AJP)(Our Power of People Party) over the National List continues, it would be a black mark on the Buddhist community.
Speaking to the Daily News yesterday, the Thera said that such behaviour and courses of action by Buddhist prelates were inappropriate based on the principle of giving up everything.
Therefore, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera pointed out that in order to solve this issue, both factions in this tussle should come to a compromise. This would be a very prudent decision.
“This kind of behaviour by prelates shows their incapability to face crises in the country’s political arena,” the Thera said.
“Therefore, if the prelates are unable to engage in political activities, they should disband the party and engage in religious activities only for the benefit of the country and the people,” Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera added.
In addition, commenting on the newly elected Government, the Thera said the people have given immense strength to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Therefore, the Thera hoped that the President would be able to steer the country in the right direction in the future by working to prevent the recurrence of wrongdoings committed by previous governments.
The Thera also praised the appointment of a State Minister for Dhamma Schools and Pirivena Education as a very positive step and said Ramanna Nikaya would unconditionally support every good decision taken by the Government in the future.
