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Bhikkhus not above the law

Though being a Buddhist by birth and also by conviction, I do not hesitate to disapprove of the manner in which the Bhikkhu protesters acted in the course of their protest March. They must know they are not above the law, and if they violate orders issued by the authorities they would have to accept the consequences.

The Buddha preached contentment as the greatest wealth and the virtues of frugality and these Bhukkhu, if they are followers of the Master, should follow His directions and be content to accept what the Government provides for them, according to available resources.

Instead if they act like unruly laymen they have to accept the consequences, since they are violating the code of conduct which has been handed down by the Buddha, and they have only themselves to blame.

This action of the Bhikkhus at this particular period, could even be interpreted as being politically engineered as several political parties are planning disruptive campaigns at this crucial hour, to disrupt the advance of the Security Forces.

Therefore the Mahanayakes and other responsible monks should issue an admonition to these misguided monks to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the yellow robe, or honourably remove it and protest like normal laymen, and also be prepared to accept the consequences if any.

The Constitution of the country, the Vinaya or the other legislation, has not granted monks immunity from the general law of the land and it should be told to them in unequivocal terms.

J. C. BOANGE
Rajagiriya


Saving petrol

Following are some suggestions to bring down petrol consumption:

Confine the use of petrol vehicles (other than motobikes and three wheelers) of Registration Numbers that add up to an ‘even’ figure, to Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those adding up to an odd figure may use the vehicles on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Sundays, all vehicles can get on the road.

This would minimise the use of petrol. Also, considerably ease traffic, thus further saving petrol.

If given ample warning by the Traffic Police and other relevant authorities that a scheme such as this will be adopted, the public can plan ways and means to comply. Public transport, taxis run on diesel and three-wheelers will be available everyday, for regular petrol vehicle users to attend to their needs.

As recently as June 29, a ‘car free day’ was organised in downtown Jakarta. Apparently it will be in operation every last Sunday of each month.

I suggested that the traffic authorities try this out for two weeks, and get a feed back from the public and the petrol stations. If it is successful in saving petrol (a barrel of crude is touching US$143 now) it should be implemented in the long term. In this situation, we have to be innovative.

V. P. DE A DE ZOYSA
- Nawala

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