Over 80 bhikkhus in the fray

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

Over 150 bhikkhus are contesting the Parliamentary elections tomorrow. A large number of Bhikkhus are contesting and campaigning for good governance with civil society organisations. While some are contesting others hope to enter Parliament through the National List. Among the leading figures, a Bhikkhu among the first to enter politics is contesting from the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA). Two Bhikkhus who lead the campaign of the recently held Presidential election are nominated from the National List of the United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG).

A large number of Bhikkhus are contesting from the Bodu Jana Peramuna. According to party sources nearly 22 Bhikkhus are in the fray in the 18 districts the party is contesting. Initially the Bodu Jana Peramuna decided Bhikkhus will not be contesting but at the time of nominations they announced that priests will take the lead in the election campaign. A Bhikkhu is leading the team in most districts.

Twenty eight Bhikkhus are contesting in from 22 districts through the Jana Setha Peramuna (JSP) .

A large number of Bhikkhus are engaged in promoting good governance. Leading clergy such as Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera has been spearheading the good governance campaign.

The decision by the Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya not to permit party offices to be set up in temples was questioned by several Bhikkus contesting the elections. Following the request the Elections Commissioner has permitted setting up party offices of Bhikkhus in their temples which is being opposed by a fraction of the Nayaka Thera's and laymen.