Malwathu Mahanayake Pushes Back on SJB Claims

COLOMBO (News 1st); A delegation of senior leaders from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, met the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Nikaya on Monday, during which a range of issues relating to governance, Buddhism and social media were discussed.

During the meeting, SJB representatives were critical of the government's handling of several recent matters and raised concerns regarding issues affecting the Buddhist clergy and the Buddhist Sasana.

Former Parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella argued that matters relating to the Buddhist robe and the clergy should be addressed with due respect until relevant legislation is enacted, suggesting that the Executive President has the authority to make interim arrangements pending legal reforms.

Responding to the discussion, the Mahanayake Thera noted that the government had indicated that legislation on the matter would be introduced within a short period.

As the discussion continued, opposition representatives alleged that the government's support base was weakening and claimed efforts were being made to appeal to minority communities at the expense of Buddhist interests.

The delegation also voiced concern over content circulating on social media, alleging that certain Buddhist monks had been subjected to criticism and defamatory campaigns online.

Questioning whether such activity could be curtailed, the Mahanayake Thera asked whether mechanisms existed to identify those responsible and prevent the dissemination of such content.

Madduma Bandara claimed that the campaigns were being conducted by individuals linked to the government, an assertion that prompted a measured response from the Mahanayake Thera, who observed that various individuals engage in such activities and that it would be difficult to attribute them to a particular political party without evidence.

“We should not say that,” the prelate remarked when sweeping claims were made, stressing that such conduct was inappropriate regardless of who was responsible.

The discussion also touched on allegations concerning government policies toward religion, with SJB representatives expressing fears that Buddhism could be undermined. However, the Mahanayake Thera urged caution, noting that some earlier claims about restrictions on Buddhist activities had not materialised and pointing out that government leaders continue to attend Buddhist as well as other religious events.

When political representatives made further claims linking certain present-day political actors to past violent incidents, the Mahanayake Thera challenged the assertions and questioned the basis on which such allegations were being made, emphasizing the need for evidence before drawing conclusions.