Sajith Premadasa Calls for Protection of Buddhism and Other Religions to Safeguard Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has stressed that safeguarding Sri Lanka’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty requires giving Buddhism its foremost place while ensuring the protection of other religions, communities and cultures.

He said that, under the country’s supreme law, protecting, fostering and preserving the Buddha Sasana was both a responsibility and a duty shared by all. He also emphasised the importance of providing appropriate protection to other religious communities, cultural groups and places of worship.

Premadasa made these remarks while attending the cremation ceremony of the Most Venerable Wellawatte Pannasiri Thera, who served as the Anunayaka of the Siri Saddhammawansa Chapter of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya.

The Opposition Leader said the late monk had dedicated his life to safeguarding Buddhism and strengthening temples, Dhamma schools and Pirivenas. He noted that the monk had imparted valuable lessons through his service as a Buddhist, adding that these principles should be put into practice for the benefit of the country.

He further stressed the need to protect the Maha Sangha, preserve Buddhist teachings, and ensure that the robes worn by Buddhist clergy were treated with due respect and recognition.

Premadasa said he was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of the senior monk, whom he credited with establishing and developing the Vidyashanthi temple complex in Piliyandala. He noted that the monk had transformed marshland into a major religious site and rendered an extensive service to the Buddhist community.

He added that the monk’s religious and spiritual contributions extended beyond Sri Lanka, helping to protect and promote the Buddha Sasana both locally and internationally.

According to Premadasa, the late monk had consistently expressed his views openly and worked to preserve, nurture and strengthen Buddhism. His work had also helped raise awareness of Sri Lanka’s temple network, Sasana Rakshaka Bala Mandala organisations, Dhamma schools and Pirivenas.

Premadasa concluded by emphasising that protecting Buddhism while respecting and safeguarding other faiths was essential to preserving Sri Lanka as a united, sovereign nation with territorial integrity and political independence.