Bahujana Balaya Calls on Buddhist Clergy to Speak Out over Treatment of Monks

Representatives of Bahujana Balaya have called on Buddhist monks to speak publicly about what they described as growing concerns over the treatment of the Buddhist clergy and the potential for divisions within the Sangha.

Speaking at a media briefing, Bahujana Balaya representative Milinda Rajapaksha said the organisation had received support from Buddhist monks in the past and stressed that its members were also able to contribute to society as laypeople.

He urged monks who conduct sermons and religious programmes, including Kathnoruwe and Dodampahala Rahula Theras and monks associated with the Mahamevnawa tradition, not to remain silent about the situation.

Rajapaksha said devotees had previously supported religious institutions by providing vehicles and helping with temple construction. He argued that Buddhist monks also had a responsibility to speak about issues affecting the Buddhist community and the wider Buddhist dispensation.

He appealed to religious leaders to consider the concerns being raised and to address them publicly.

Chamara Wijesuriya Comments on Political Developments

Chamara Wijesuriya also spoke at the briefing, commenting on what he described as changes in the President’s approach during recent public rallies.

He said he had observed Buddhist monks being presented separately at the rallies and referred to a video that he claimed showed a layperson bowing to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Anjana Udara, secretary of Bahujana Balaya, was also identified as a participant in the media briefing.

The comments were made amid continuing public debate over the treatment of Buddhist monks and the controversy surrounding Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.