Maha Sangha urge political parties to support President

The Maha Nayaka Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, Ramannya Nikaya and Amarapura Nikaya have called upon the public and political parties to extend their support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at this critical hour.

The statement said political leaders and Members representing their respective political parties in Parliament should act in accordance with the admonition given by the Buddha in his sermon to Vajjins espousing the importance of coming together in unity and exchanging mutual views in an atmosphere of peace and then dispersing in the same manner which ensured victory.

It is important for all to act in a similar manner in the face of present conflicting situation of the country and to overcome all challenges, the joint statement said.

The Prelates said: “We cannot create a developed country, saved from all forms of destruction as long as the leaders and the people of the country live without any discipline and divided by ethnicity and politics.

“In such a situation we cannot expect to have a peaceful society either where all groups live in peace and harmony.

“Jealousy, division, agitation, wars and many faceted struggles originate from craving.

“We can be assured of overcoming these only by creating a democratic society. Living according to the noble principles of Meththa, Mudhita, Karuna and Upeksha we will be able to co-exist with others in peace and harmony.

“When there is coherence among the peoples and the political parties of divergent views, it will be an easy task for a country to overcome any challenge.”

“It is our wish that any individual or any political party wishing the well-being of the people in this country should forget whatever disagreements one has and put to the backdoor whatever differences and work in unity at this crucial hour to save the country.”

The statement was signed by Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Maha Nayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Maha Nayaka Thera of the Malwatta Chapter, Most Ven. Weweldeniye Medhalankara Maha Nayaka Thera of the Rammanna Nikaya and Most Ven. Davuldena Gnanissara Maya Nayaka Thera of the Amarapura Nikaya.