How SJB MPs visited Malwathu Nayaka Thero and 'listened well' (video)

The statement that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) launched a bomb attack on the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) is unacceptable, and it was the LTTE organization that carried out the bomb attack on the Dalada Maligawa, stated the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter, Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero, today (12) before a delegation from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

A group of Members of Parliament led by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary, MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, today met with the Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and discussed several religious and ecclesiastical matters that have been controversial these days. The incident of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero's robes being removed was also among the issues discussed.

Former Member of Parliament and Attorney-at-Law Lakshman Kiriella, as well as Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Members of Parliament Rohini Kaviratne, J.C. Alawathuwala, Sujeewa Senasinghe, Kins Nelson, and Chamindrani Kiriella, also joined this delegation.

During the meeting with the Malwathu Mahanayake Thero, a lengthy discussion took place between His Holiness and the SJB delegation. There, Mr. Ranjith Madduma Bandara commented that people from the current government had bombed the Dalada Maligawa in the past. Responding to this, the Mahanayake Thero questioned in return, "How can you say these people bombed it? We cannot say such things just because others said so."

When Mr. Madduma Bandara said, "That's what people say, Venerable Sir," the Mahanayake Thero replied, "No matter who says it, we know," and pointed out that while the JVP seized firearms from the police in its early days, it did not carry out bomb attacks like the LTTE organization.

Mr. Madduma Bandara also mentioned that people from the current government have stated that they would turn the country into a secular state. Commenting on this, the Mahanayake Thero said, "We cannot say whether those things are true or not. Although they said they would stop the Perahera, they didn't. They also participate in religious ceremonies."

Although some groups had previously stated that the National People's Power (NPP) would even stop the Perahera if they came to power, the Mahanayake Thero's opinion was that such a situation has not arisen to date.

Watch the video related to this incident ›