Sajith Premadasa Pledges Priority for Buddhist Sasana and Protection of Religious Identities

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has said that giving priority to the Buddha Sasana is a key policy of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), adding that the party would uphold the relevant provisions of the Constitution.

He said the party would establish the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs as a Cabinet-level ministry while creating separate state ministries to address the needs of other religions, cultures and communities and safeguard their respective identities.

Premadasa made these remarks after meeting Venerable Professor Kotapitiye Rahula Thera, Anunayake and Chief Registrar of the Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Maha Viharavanshika tradition, at the Bodhiraja Temple in Wadduwa. He visited the temple to receive blessings.

The meeting was attended by SJB parliamentarians, Attorney-at-Law Ajith P. Perera and Jagath Withana, along with Nayanaka Ranwella, the party’s Panadura electorate organiser, and Sudath Jayasundara.

Decisions Concerning Buddhist Monks Should Be Handled by Sangha Councils

Premadasa said people of all ethnicities should live together in unity within one country, while religious leaders and the robes worn by Buddhist monks should be accorded due respect.

He said the current issue surrounding the Buddhist robe should be resolved promptly. Any outdated regulations should be updated without unnecessary delays to ensure that the robe receives the respect it deserves.

He further stressed that decisions concerning respected Buddhist monks should be handled by the Sangha councils to which they belong. He said the same principle should apply to other religions.

Premadasa Warns Against Attempts to Divide the Maha Sangha

The Opposition Leader also expressed concern that various groups were attempting to create divisions among Buddhist monks.

He described Sangha Bheda, or creating divisions within the Buddhist monastic community, as one of the gravest sins in Buddhism, warning that those responsible would face serious spiritual consequences.

Premadasa called on all parties, Buddhist sects and Sangha councils to work together under a common commitment to protect the Buddha Sasana and ensure that the Buddhist robe receives the highest level of respect.

He added that the same commitment to respect and protect religious identities should extend to other faiths and cultures, describing this approach as an urgent need of the present era.