There is a political agenda behind the move to establish a tribunal - UNP

The United National Party (UNP) strongly criticizes the government's decision to amend the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance of 1931 and establish a new religious court, or Sanghadhikarana, alleging that a secret political agenda is at play behind it. The party states that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has publicly agreed to follow a policy similar to how some past rulers assassinated the Maha Sangha (Buddhist clergy), and points out that the government is attempting to bring Buddhist religious centers and institutions under its control through this move.

Citing a report by journalist Yohan Perera, they emphasize that there are many hidden power-hungry motives behind this new government initiative.

A special statement issued by the United National Party (UNP) indicates that during the 1987-89 period, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) assassinated several venerable monks, including Kotikawatte Saddhatissa Thero, Welthota Pannadassi Thero, and Beligalle Mahinda Thero, and plundered valuable historical artifacts belonging to temples. It states that a group that never accepted the political prominence due to Buddhism has not yet apologized in any way for the monk assassinations committed back then. Against such a backdrop, the party strongly questions what moral right the current President has to establish religious courts to inquire into the discipline of the Sangha (Buddhist clergy).

While the United National Party (UNP) has no objection to taking action against indisciplinary acts by Buddhist monks, it reminds that there is a recognized specific traditional method for this in the country. Accordingly, the relevant cabinet papers should first be submitted to the Maha Sangha, led by the Mahanayaka Theros, to obtain decisions. Furthermore, under the existing constitution, neither the executive, the legislature, nor the judiciary has any power to interpret the Dhamma or establish religious courts. Although Article 105 of the Constitution grants Parliament the power to legislate disciplinary rules for the clergy, the statement further indicates that the ultimate power of decision-making rests solely with the committees of the respective Nikayas (sects).

The party points out that presenting monks accused of various offenses in court in their religious attire is not a recent trend, citing examples such as Thaldue Somarama Thero and Mapitigama Buddharakkitha Thero, who faced murder charges in the past, as well as Father Mathew Peiris, who were all brought before the court in their respective religious attire. Nevertheless, a strong suspicion arises in society that the current government is introducing this concept of religious courts with the ulterior motive of bringing temples and devales (shrines) under direct government control. These bill amendments have been unilaterally presented without consulting any opposition parties for advice or opinions, and they also accuse parties loyal to the current administration of implementing an organized program to destroy Buddhism through social media networks. Furthermore, the United National Party (UNP) emphasizes in its statement that this National People's Power (NPP) government even postponed Vesak Poya day celebrations, which are observed with great devotion by Buddhists worldwide, in order to hold their political rallies.