Final Destination

By Damitha Hemachandra, Daily Mirror, July 5, 2004

Colombo, Sri Lanka -- American Sangha Nayaka, Ven. Walpola Piyananda Thera urged the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) to support the cause of the government in presenting a Prevention of Unethical Conversion Bill and three other important bills, which seek to uplift Buddhasasana.

Speaking at the 19th memorial dhammadesana of late Ven. Panadura Ariyadhamma held at the Sambodhi Viharaya yesterday, Ven. Thera pointed that all Buddhists should join hands to overcome this difficult situation faced by Buddhists in Sri Lanka.

While expressing surprise over the joint statement made by the Roman Catholic and Christian churches against the proposed Anti-Conversion Bill, Ven. Piyananda Thera observed that the church failed to express their opinion when Buddhism was challenged by Christian fundamentalism.

Chief Incumbent of Sambodhi Viharaya, Ven. Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thera questioned as to how the future of more than 70% of the Buddhist population could be staked at the request of the Church, which is a religious minority of the country.

"Since the proposed bill would be preventing only unethical conversions, which were made by extremist fundamentalist groups, the Bill would not hinder the right of thought and belief of established Christians or Catholic churches of the country," Ven. Thera added. Speaking at the occasion Minister of Buddhasasana, Rathnasiri Wickremanayaka denied the charges of the church, adding that the Bill was drafted after much research and study done by the Commission to Protect Buddhism appointed by himself during the past PA regime.

"There is no justice in trying to prevent any action which is taken to ensure the well-being of the poor Buddhists in the country," the minister said questioning as to why the Catholic and Christian Church alone is against this bill