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| Thursday, 19 August 2004 |
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Politics taboo for Bhikkus, says JBU by Anjana Gamage and S. H. U. Malmi "The sole aim of the Bhikkus should be to protect the country and the religion and to advise the kings who are leading the country. It is prohibited for Bhikkus to enter politics," said Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera of the advisory committee of Jathika Bodu Urumaya. He was addressing the maiden media press conference of the Jathika Bodu Urumaya initiated as an alternative group of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) held at the auditorium of National Library Services Board, Colombo 7, yesterday. Jathika Bodu Urumaya (JBU), a non-political organisation launched their National Policy to the country yesterday and introduced the rules and regulations for its members. The main objective of the JBU is to protect Buddhism and cultural heritage in the country which is now being faced for various outside threats. Speaking further Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera said: " As a Bhikku who was involved in politics for many years, I have seen the sad endings of various political organisations. But JBU is an organisation with the firm ambition of protecting the country and Buddhism. Bhikkus can provide the leadership to Buddhists as well as non-Buddhists. That should be kept in mind by all Bhikkus. Whenever a Bhikku is involved with a political party other political parties rejected them. Therefore we want to handle the JBU activities without any involvement with politics". "Bhikkus should make an attempt to realise the spirit of the Buddha's teachings. They can enlighten others with that theory. We are against separatism. There is only one country and if there are plans for a separate country we will oppose it," Thera assured. President of the JBU Ven. Pombuvinne Dammissara Nayaka Thera and Pallegama Damma Kusala Nayaka Thera also spoke. The convenor of the JBU Kithsiri Wickremasinghe acknowledged the decision taken by the Cultural Affairs Minister to close down tuition classes on Sundays as a prior step to bring back the younger generation to Dhamma schools. He said JBU calls for re-opening of Sunday schools which have been closed for years on recommendation in JBU policy. He further said that JBU is expected to present several proposals for the glory of Buddhism to the Minister of Buddhasasana in the future. |
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