Anu Nayaka Thera concerned over rise in crime:

Presidential Commission to curb crime proposed

As we near the end of the 2,600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi celebrations the time has come for the government to appoint a Presidential Commission to investigate the causes for the rise in crime in the country, Most Venerable Aggamahapanditha Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anu Nayaka Thera said.

According to the Most Ven Thera, the Commission should comprise representatives of political parties, the laity and clergy.

Members of the Commission should also be of diverse backgrounds, such as, political, medical, educational, legal and social services, the Most Ven Thera observed.

The maximum number of members should not exceed 15 for the preparation of a comprehensive report. This should be the first step set towards greatly reducing the crime issue in the island. It is a most noble act the government may perform to mark the Sambuddhathva Jayanthi.

The Most Ven Thera noted the media has been notorious for giving publicity to criminals and consequently criminals have become more popular than well-known social leaders.

The full statement of Most Venerable Aggamahapnditha Kotugoda Dhammawasa AnuNayaka Thera:

In Commemorating the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi (Anniversary of the Buddha’s Enlightenment) major Buddhist countries led by Sri Lanka have been engaged in a year-long endeavor for the creation of a righteous society. As followers of the Buddha it is our prime duty to see that every possible measure is taken to curb crime that is rising by leaps and bounds throughout the world.

This is a grave situation that has already drawn the attention of governments and heads of state.

In this age of widespread conflict between morality and immorality it is the latter which is on the ascendency.

Therefore dealing with this complex problem needs careful thought in accordance with Buddhism’s Pancha Seela (Five Precepts) the essence of which are non-violence, thrift, purity of character, truthfulness and mindfulness.

The five essential virtues form the primary code of ethics for Buddhists.

They have been practiced and preserved through history not only for religious purposes but also at significant social events.

Traditionally it has been the basis for moral standards.

The five precepts are not confined to any race, tribe, caste or creed but serve as a set of universal principals for mankind.

Helping people to realize the practical advantages of adhering to the five precepts is bound to go a long way in reducing the crime rate everywhere.

It is the greatest act of merit that we can perform in commemorating the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi.

It a great tragedy that crime and criminals receive the publicity far more than any person or organization performing noble deeds and services.

Our society comprises identifiable four types of people.

1. Educated but unwise,
2. Wise and well educated,
3. Wise but uneducated,
4. Unwise and uneducated

The majority of our society is covered by the first group, educated but unwise, due to the recent modification in the education curriculum that has produced education alone that does not bring wisdom.

From the early time of their life, children are trained to compete with peers, forced to gain academic proficiency.

Important and beneficial to society are those who are both wise and educated.

They are the people who can effectively deal with crime and ensure peace and stability.

It is great cause for satisfaction that modern society enjoys the achievements in the areas of science, technology art and linguistics.

These advances our ancestors had not even dreamt of.

The services of those who are both educated and wise though they may not be in great numbers their contributions can go a long way in building a truly civilized society.

Although mankind has enjoyed the benefits of modern inventions such luxurious vehicles, ships and giant aircraft we have not been able to prevent the misuse of science and technology due to man’s ego-centric desires which have brought unwholesome consequences.

The third group manifests of wise but uneducated people.

Increasing competition in educational context and financial crisis has left a huge gap between human potential and academic pursuit.

But the misuse of this knowledge and professionalism can result in misery and sorrow having disastrous consequences for future generations.

The proof of it is the increase in crime in modern societies worldwide. Internal disputes have paved the way for foreign interference. Countries are faced with various threats.

The solution should be found at grass root level and expanded to the international arenas whereby agencies like the UN can help to find lasting solutions.

The full potential of the masses need to be activated for this purpose.

It is therefore, important for education system to focus on those who lack both wisdom and intelligence.

They easily fall prey to criminal tendencies due to due to lack of religious knowledge, moral discipline, patience, truthfulness and proper guidance.

The media has been notorious forgiving publicity to criminals and consequently criminals have become more popular than well-known social leaders. As we near the end of 2600th anniversary celebrations of the enlightenment of the Buddha, the time has come for the government to appoint a Presidential Commission to investigate the causes of rise in crime.

The commission should comprise representatives of political parties, the laity and the clergy and clergies.

Members should be also of diverse backgrounds such, as political, medical, educational, legal and social services.

The maximum number of commission members should not exceed 15 for the preparation of a comprehensive report.

This step would be the first step set towards greatly reducing crime in the island.

It is a most noble act the government may perform to mark the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi.