Seelarathana Thera Questions National Bhikkhu Front’s Role and Calls for Provincial Council Elections

Janasetha Peramuna leader Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera has questioned the role of the National Bhikkhu Front and called on the government to hold provincial council elections to demonstrate its public support.

Addressing a media briefing, the Thera said that while some groups supported the President, others were working against him and placing him in a difficult position.

He questioned what the National Bhikkhu Front was doing and what benefits it had brought to the country. He also asked whether the organisation had discussed the matter concerning Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera with the President.

“Regardless of whom they support politically, the National Bhikkhu Front must stand on the side of Buddhist monks,” he said.

The Thera added that the public had only heard the President’s statements regarding discussions with Buddhist monks and called on the President’s Media Division to release the statements made by the Maha Sangha as well, so that the public could understand both sides of the discussion.

Turning to provincial council elections, he challenged the government to hold the polls and demonstrate its level of public support.

“If possible, hold the election and show the people where the government stands,” he said.

He claimed that the public had given the current government power because of corruption under previous administrations. However, he warned that people in villages were now becoming increasingly dissatisfied, with some preparing to protest against the authorities.

The Thera also criticised the rising tax burden, saying that the people were facing increasing financial pressure.

Commenting on recent political discussions about Metro buses and prison buses, he said that tractors would become the more popular vehicles if provincial council elections were held. He added that he personally considered a tractor more valuable than either a Metro bus or a prison bus.

He also criticised the conduct of individuals being taken to prison, saying that some waved to the public while being transported. He remarked that such behaviour was not what he expected from educated individuals and said their conduct became apparent when they were taken into custody.

The Thera further alleged that the government had failed to carry out at village level even the type of development work undertaken through the Sirasa Gammedda programme.

Outlining his own proposals, he said that if he were entrusted with governing the country as the leader of the Janasetha Peramuna, he would provide a monthly payment of Rs. 20,000 for five years from the time a child was conceived.

He also emphasised the importance of protecting Buddhism and said that the Buddhist community was necessary for safeguarding the country.

During the question-and-answer session, the Thera reiterated his criticism of the limited information made public about the President’s discussions with Buddhist monks. He said the public should also be allowed to hear the views expressed by the Maha Sangha.

He made further remarks about allegations concerning the conduct of certain Buddhist monks and the protection of the Buddha Sasana, arguing that those who had left the robes should still have a responsibility to safeguard Buddhism.