Opposition Figures Criticise Monks’ Protest, Insist No One Is Above the Law

Several members of the Joint Opposition have criticised the conduct of Buddhist monks involved in protests, arguing that everyone must respect the law and accusing certain politicians of using religious robes to advance political agendas and undermine religious harmony.

The remarks were made by Joint Opposition representatives Sanjaya Mahawatta, Niluksha Kumara, Priyantha Thilakarathne, Damith Lokubandara, and others, including Prabha Ganeshan of the Democratic National Alliance.

Sanjaya Mahawatta, Convenor of the Joint Opposition, said various individuals had begun making statements about provisions relating to the Buddhist Sasana. He stressed that the country must be governed by appropriate laws and that no individual or group could place itself above the law.

He also alleged that certain groups were attempting to create instability in the country at a time when the enforcement of the law had caused concern among some sections of society. He maintained that the President was acting in accordance with the law.

Priyantha Thilakarathne, Co-Convenor of the Joint Opposition, said the conduct of monks participating in protests needed to be addressed. He stated that he did not approve of such behaviour as a Sinhala Buddhist and emphasised that everyone must submit to and respect the law.

He further warned against mixing religion with politics, alleging that politicians who had lost public credibility were attempting to use the situation for their own purposes. He also questioned whether those involved in the protests were genuinely acting in accordance with Buddhist principles.

Thilakarathne added that the President was willing to engage in discussions and questioned whether prisoners could be released through intimidation or pressure.

Prabha Ganeshan of the Democratic National Alliance also expressed support for the President’s decision, stating that such actions should not be permitted.

Meanwhile, Damith Lokubandara, an executive committee member of the Joint Opposition, expressed disappointment over the statements made by monks in public, arguing that some of their conduct lacked verbal and physical restraint. He said senior Buddhist prelates should pay closer attention to the situation.

Uma Karakaradagolla, another executive committee member of the Joint Opposition, said the conduct of certain members of the clergy had raised concerns. Referring to the punishment imposed on Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara under the law, she stressed that Buddhism was founded on principles and discipline.

She added that the conduct of some monks had caused disappointment among lay Buddhists and urged people not to create unnecessary fear or instability in the country. She also alleged that certain individuals were using Buddhist robes to pursue political objectives.

Niluksha Kumara, Co-Convenor of the Joint Opposition, said he opposed what he described as misconduct carried out under the cover of Buddhist robes. He claimed that the protests did not represent broad public participation and alleged that individuals associated with nationalist and religious extremism had taken part.

Kumara further accused political groups of using the demonstrations to stage public spectacles and alleged that the protests were part of a wider political conspiracy. He questioned who was financing and directing the activities, while also criticising what he described as political alliances involving the Rajapaksa camp and the United National Party.

The Joint Opposition representatives reiterated their position that the law must apply equally to everyone and cautioned against using religion to pursue political interests.