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| Sunday, 22 February 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Sarvodaya, OPA critical of monks contesting elections By E. Weerapperuma The Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya has drawn flak from various quarters opposed to its decision to contest the April 2 election . Sarvodaya Leader Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne has also appealed to the monks not to enter politics and has said he was grieved by Jathika Sangha Sammelanaya's decision to enter politics, as the kind of politics prevalent in the country was not suitable for Bhikkus. The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) has said that the decision of a section of the Buddhist Clergy to contest the General Elections, would have serious and detrimental effects not only to Buddhism, but also on the people irrespective of their religious faiths". The OPA statement points out: "The present need is unity and consensus and not further divisions of a nation suffering from decades of violence and unrest. Not only the Buddhist Clergy, but also the clergy of other religions have a greater role to play in rebuilding our nation''. Pura Vidya Chakravarthi Ven.Ellawela Medhananda Thera told the Sunday Observer that the Sangha Sammelanaya had decided to contest the General Election to fill a vacuum in Parliament on behalf of Buddhists of the country. "We are not interested in party politics. We used the Hela Jathika Urumaya as a vehicle. We are not power-hungry," he said. |
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