Buddhist Cultural Centre Director, Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi Thera yesterday accused the Buddhist Affairs Ministry of failing to perform its duty. Ven. Wimalajothi Thera, addressing the media at the Sambuddatwa Jayanthi Mandiraya in Colombo, said that it was the responsibility of the Government to protect Buddhism and to take action against persons like the man in Wanduramba who claimed to be Maithree Buddha.
Many Non-Governmental Organisations and certain elements with outward Buddhist faces were working against Buddhism, he said.
“He is practicing a type of Buddhism contrary to what had been worshipped for over two millennia and had claimed himself to be ‘Maithree Bosath’. He had become a very popular personality in the Galle area. While claiming to be ‘Maithree Bosath’ he lives a luxurious life and has been supported by many businessmen and also has political patronage,” Ven. Wimalajothi Thera said.
A massive conference was held in Wanduramba, Galle on June 24 to bring an end to the false claimant, who insulted Buddhism with his claims, by about 2000 persons including 500 Bhikkhus. A clash occurred between Bodu Samuluwa protesters and that claimant’s supporters. The Police had used tear gas to disperse the provoked Buddhists with the assistance of the Police Special Task Force. Five persons were arrested by the Wanduramba Police in connection with the incident, he said.
“We cannot accept the way some policemen act in such situations,” Ven. Wimalajothi Thera stressed.
“We will give two weeks’ time to Buddhist Affairs Department to take immediate actions against people like the individual in Wanduramba, if they fail to do it the Bodu Bala Sena organization will take necessary steps to protect Buddhism in the country,” Ven. Galabodaaththe Gnanassara Thera said.
He also said that such anti-Buddhist actions should be monitored and remedial action initiated and taken by the Government.
“As Buddhist monks, we have a duty. We are the protectors of the nation from historical times,” the Thera said.
By Maheesha Mudugamuwa
IS