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| Wednesday, 31 December 2003 |
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by Rashomi Silva Signs of an early end to the fast unto death and Satyagraha campaign organised by the National Sanga Convention (NSC) emerged yesterday when Buddhist Affairs Minister W.J.M. Lokubandara met NSC leaders and agreed to have a discussion on the laws to be introduced against what they called "unethical conversions". The NSC initiated the fast unto death last Monday demanding introduction of new laws by the legislature to prevent "unlawful conversions". Ministry sources said a meeting was arranged yesterday evening with leading Bhikkus from different Chapters, the Opposition Leader and the Minister to come to a final conclusion. Ven. Mawarale Baddhiya Thera, a member of the Executive Committee of the Convention told the Daily News that they are not against the propagation of one's religion or the faith by 'fair means'. "What we are against is tempting and bribing the poor masses," he said. The Thera said this is a very crucial issue not only for Buddhists and Hindus but also for the conventional church, as the fundamentalists are forcing their faith among Buddhists, Hindus and Christians alike. "We invite ethnically conscious persons from all faiths, including the Catholic church to join hands with us to end all unethical conversions", he said. "We can follow the Indian example, where laws were introduced to the Legislature, to prevent forceful conversions", the Thera said. Two Bhikkhus were on a fast unto death whilst several others staged a Satyagraha opposite the Buddhasasana Ministry demanding introduction of new laws to prevent conversions. The Bhikkus on a fast were Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera of the Bodhirajarama Viharaya, Embilipitiya and Sashthrapathy Rajawatte Wappa Thera of the Kuppiyawatte Jayasekararama Temple. |
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