‘Conspirators behind MP Wijedasa’s Bill’

by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

Western conspirators are behind MP Wijedasa Rajapaksa’s private members’ Bill to prevent religious leaders and bhikkhus contesting elections, said Power and Energy Minister, Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) Secretary General Patali Champika Ranawaka.

The Minister said that UNP-MP Wijedasa Rajapaksa was attempting to get rid of bhikkhus by placing a tag on them. It was the noble bhikkus who protected the country at difficult times.

The country’s political culture changed dramatically in 2004 when bhikkhus entered mainstream politics, he said. When Wijedasa Rajapaksa crossed over to the Opposition in 2007 to defeat the Government the war against terrorism was at its peak.

He supported the West to topple the Government, the Minister said.

JHU Western Provincial Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Udaya Gammanpila said that the political culture in Sri Lanka changed in 2004 with bhikkhus taking to politics.

Religious leaders are better qualified to be political candidates and people’s representatives, Gammanpila said.

Politicians have no right to decide whether priests should engage in politics or not. This is the sole decision of religious institutions. Wijedasa Rajapaksa has entered into a territory where he has no say, he said.

“We have to admit that politics is a corrupt game. Therefore, Bhikkus engaging in politics is necessary to cleanse the political system. bhikkhus could be an example to other political leaders and show them how things should be done better, he said.

Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) media spokesman Nishanka Sri Warnasingha said that the JHU was keen to ascertain whether the Bill had been presented with the approval of the UNP leadership.

The JHU will take every step to defeat the Bill which has questioned the civic rights of religious leaders, especially the rights enjoyed by bhikkhus, Warnasingha said.

“It seems that MP Rajapaksa is fulfilling an anti-Buddhist contract by imperialists, he said.