PARLIAMENT

The Parliamentary Caucus for functioning towards safeguarding National Heritage took into account making recommendations to prevent the distortion of Buddhist doctrine, the collapse of the Sangha Community and the distortion of Sri Lankan history. This was discussed when the Caucus met under the Chairmanship of Hon. Jayantha Samaraweera recently (May 22).

Ven. Galagama Kusaladhamm Thero, Ven. Pagoda Janitawansa Thero, Ven. Wadduwe Dhammawansa Thero and Professor Chandima Wijebandara, Dr. Manoj Kumara, Dr. Wasantha Bandara, Isuru Upanada, Attorney - At - Law Kalyananda Thiranagama, Shakila Rajakaruna, Shanta Kumara and Member of Parliament Hon. (Prof.) Channa Jayasumana were also present at the Committee meeting held. Moreover, Missaka Kamalasiri joined the Caucus from USA via Zoom.

The Chair mentioned that the Trinitarian prelates have informed the concerned parties regarding the said matter, but no adequate action has been taken yet. Therefore, Hon. Jayantha Samaraweera pointed out that the aim of his Caucus is to draw the attention of the relevant parties and make recommendations to prevent the distortion of Buddhist doctrine, the collapse of the Sangha Community and the distortion of Sri Lankan history.

The participants provided comprehensive explanations regarding the distortions of Buddhist philosophy, the propagation of myths about the Buddha's character, as well as the propaganda carried out using various media in a way that insults the monks. The Theros who were present pointed out that books which distort the Buddhist philosophy are being compiled and is widely distributed.

He also pointed out that wrong ideas about Buddhist philosophy are spreading among the people due to the popularization of books with distorted data. It was also discussed that these campaigns are carried out in such a way as to create displeasure about the concepts of monk ordination, priestly ordination as well as religious rituals that have been protected for a long time. The Theros pointed out that because of this, the people will be convinced that Lord Buddha is a fictional character and the people's faith in the Buddhist order will be broken.
 
In addition to this, parties present pointed out that the people who carry out propaganda insulting the Buddhist philosophy and the Buddha's character are engaged in various businesses in this country as well as in other foreign countries and spend a lot of money to do such work. They also pointed out that this could be one facet of a conspiracy to bring down Sri Lanka as a country in international geopolitics, so measures should be taken after considering the whole. They were of the opinion that social violence and cultural breakdown will occur as a result of these actions and this may lead to the breakdown of the individual, family, institutions and ultimately the entire society in this country and therefore, attention should be paid to this matter immediately.

In order to prevent this situation, scholars present pointed out that the amendment of the legal provisions and the prevention of the distortion of the historical sources affecting the unitary foundation of Sri Lanka should be given close attention. The Chair pointed out that the Caucus is looking forward to obtaining all the proposals and ideas presented and making necessary recommendations to prevent distortions of the Buddhist philosophy, propagation of myths about the character of Buddha, as well as propaganda that insults the monks.