Article 9 of the country’s constitution guarantees the head of state and the government to promote Buddhism, which accounts for 74% of the population, while protecting the rights of other religions. file. | Photo credit: Reuters
A faction of Sri Lanka’s powerful Buddhist clergy criticized the government for what they called an “organised campaign by vested interests to denigrate Buddhism, the majority religion and the monks”.
Issuing a 10-point ultimatum, the monks said the status of Buddhism and monasticism was being “politically undermined” and demanded immediate government attention.
Addressing a gathering, noted monk Murutthettuve Ananda said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had called him to persuade him not to go ahead with the gathering attended by monks from all provinces.
“He asked me to come to negotiate with him and stop this,” said Ananda.
Article 9 of the country’s constitution guarantees the head of state and the government to promote Buddhism, which accounts for 74% of the population, while protecting the rights of other religions.
“Organized social media campaigns are being done with vested interests and the government should focus on this,” Sanyas said.
“We want the government to stop this,” said Ven Kotapola Ratanapala, another prominent monk.
For the past year, some politicians have been openly criticizing monks.
In the eastern district of Trincomalee, several monks were arrested for attempting to set up temporary places of worship in violation of coastal protection laws.
It is alleged that the hands of the local ruling party leaders are behind the arrests of the monks.
Published – February 21, 2026 01:57 pm IST
