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| Sunday, 22 August 2004 |
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'JBU is not a political party' - Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera
The alternative group of the Jathika Hela Urumaya who call themselves the Jathika Bodu Urumaya (JBU) held their fist convention at the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), Maharagama last week going public with their intention to create a significant force to keep tabs on political leaders who work against the nation. JBU Supreme Council member Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer staffer Deepal Warnakulasuriaya said that the criticism levelled at the Maha Sangha and Buddha Sasana because of the direct politicisation of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) had compelled them to form the JBU. The Ven. Thera at the same time, stressed that the JBU was not a political party, but that it would be a stage for true Buddhists, dedicated to preserving the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. "The JBU is the brainchild of former Sihala Urumaya (SU) and JHU officials and members. The decision of several Bhikkus to contest the general elections had prompted them to leave the JHU, because they did not want to be participants in shattering the prestige of the Maha Sangha, which has been preserved for a long time in the country. Preserving the Buddha Sasana from unethical threats, directing the Maha Sangha away from political and other barriers is our objective," Nalaka Thera added. He further said that the Maha Sangha had been accepted as advisors to kings even in the past. "But contesting elections and representing people in Parliament is something extraordinary. We are also against some terminology of the JHU. Words like Dharma Rajya and Paramitha Perahera should not be used for mere publicity. It would bring only disaster to the Bhikku Sasana as well as Buddhism," he added. However, the Thera also added that the Anti-Conversion Bill brought by the JHU was the right thing but should have identified all aspects of the problem before the Parliamentary process. The Thera also said that they would educate the public countrywide over the present political situation, rights of Buddhists, how to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He assured that they would not help any political party even indirectly. However they will seek to change the name of the group again as the `Jathika Bodu Padanama'. |
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