Sangha conference, bud, and empty chairs

The special great Sangha conference organized by the Sasanaarakshaka Sangha Sabha (Council for the Protection of the Sasana) under the theme "Sukha Sangassa Samaggi" (Happiness is the unity of the Sangha) was held yesterday at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo Fort, with the participation of the Maha Sangha (Buddhist clergy) who arrived from various parts of the island. Although accusations were made on social media that this Sangha conference, which had been organized for several weeks, was being held at the behest of individuals connected to a political party, the organizing committee led by Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero emphasized in press conferences that this was not the case.

However, social media also reported that although a large number of seats were reserved for this conference, there were two to three times more empty chairs in the back part of the hall than the number of attendees.

Emphasizing that the government should practically intervene for the long-term stability of the Sambuddha Sasana (Buddhist Dispensation), the protection of historical Buddhist heritage, and temples and devalagam (temple villages), a special "Maha Sangha Prathignawa" (Great Sangha Pledge) was unanimously adopted. Senior Professor Agalakada Sirisumana Thero, Senior Professor Induragare Dhammaratana Thero, Senior Professor Medagoda Abhayatissa Thero, Ulapane Sumangala Thero, and Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, among other leading venerable monks, took the initiative for this conference, which was organized to protect national and religious harmony and find sustainable solutions to Sasanic crises.

Presenting the Maha Sangha Prathignawa (Great Sangha Pledge) that was declared, the Maha Sangha pointed out that according to Article 9 of the Constitution, giving Buddhism the foremost place and protecting the Sasana is an inalienable constitutional duty of the state. The venerable monks emphasized that this task must be carried out without harming the freedom and rights of other religions, as guaranteed by Articles 10, 14 (1) (e), and 27 (11). They also stressed the need to activate special tribunals under Article 105 (4) that fit the traditional religious framework to resolve monastic discipline and Sasanic disputes.

Through this Sangha Pledge, the government was requested to conduct impartial investigations and enforce the law regarding insults, harassment, and illegal influences against the Maha Sangha or Buddhist shrines. It was stated that if a process of de-Buddhization is created due to state policies or silent negligence, there is a determination to rise up against it legally, peacefully, non-violently, and democratically. Furthermore, the monks clarified that this declaration is not part of any attempt to overthrow a government or a struggle for party political power, but merely a Sasanic and national appeal reminding of constitutional responsibilities.

Senior Professor Agalakada Sirisumana Thero of the University of Colombo, a member of the Presidential Board of the Sasanaarakshaka Sangha Sabha, addressing the conference, stated that foreign organizations and forces dependent on their funds are operating to destroy indigenous cultural and national power. He speculated that covert programs might be implemented to prevent monks from taking to the streets in the next few years, and declared that in the face of such slandering and conspiracies, the strength and independence of the Maha Sangha should be demonstrated to the world without remaining silent.

Senior Professor Induragare Dhammaratana Thero, who delivered the main address at the conference, pointed out that highlighting the behavior of a handful of the 39,995 monks residing in the country through social media to embarrass the entire Sangha community is an ignoble act. He stated that there has been no reduction in the offerings (dana, mana, etc.) or religious observances of the Buddhist people. He also drew the government's attention to the fact that even if a new constitution is introduced, the article concerning Buddhism must be protected, and to the potential risk of placing Mahaweli lands, which contain over a thousand archaeological monuments in the North and East, under the purview of Divisional Secretaries.

Furthermore, Ulapane Sumangala Thero, the coordinator of the Sasanaarakshaka Sangha Sabha, commented that rulers attempted to thwart this great Sangha conference by organizing emergency workshops for Pirivena teachers in provinces such as Western, North Western, and Central, and by intimidating the organizing monks through police phone calls. However, he stated that the Maha Sangha, who have historically stood up to national and religious challenges through the pen, enduring imprisonment, and sacrificing their lives, will not be swayed by such harassment. As emphasized by Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, presenting the Sangha Pledge before the Sangha conference, the assembled Maha Sangha unanimously resolved to act independently, non-violently, and democratically to protect the Sambuddha Sasana, archaeological heritage, and national culture.