Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thero on Saturday (30) submitted a special letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, conveying a united appeal from the four Mahanayaka Theros of Sri Lanka for peace and harmony between Thailand and Cambodia.
The letter, jointly signed by the Most Ven. Tibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayaka Thero (Malwatta Chapter), the Most Ven. Warakagoda Dharmasiddhi Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayaka Thero (Asgiriya Chapter), the Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Mahanayaka Thero (Ramanna Sect), and the Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Mahanayaka Thero (Amarapura Sect) expresses deep concern over the conflict that has arisen between the two nations.
While the dispute concerns the ownership of an ancient temple, the letter emphasizes that exploiting religious sentiment for conflict is against the teachings of the Buddha.
The Mahanayaka Theros urged both governments, as well as religious leaders and practitioners in Thailand and Cambodia, to uphold the noble heritage of Buddhism by resolving differences peacefully and fostering harmony.
“As followers of the Buddha, it is our bounden duty to ensure that his teachings of peace and non-violence are maintained in practice,” the letter states, reminding that history has shown the vital role monks have played in preventing violence and nurturing coexistence. (Newswire)
