A Sangha conference addressing what organizers describe as growing threats to Buddhism, the clergy, and the country’s cultural heritage is scheduled to be held today (20 February) in Colombo.
Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, chairman of the Motherland Protection Organization (Mawbima Surakimu Sanvidanaya), said the conference will take place at 2:0o pm in front of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC) premises in Colombo 07.
The announcement was made during a media briefing held at the Abhayarama Temple in Narahenpita. Among those present were Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thera, president of the ACBC; former Deputy Inspector General of Police Chandra Vakishta; and Mahendra Jayasekara, chairman of the Colombo Youth Buddhist Association.
Ven. Ananda Thera said the conference is being organized in response to what he described as increasing challenges and intimidation directed at the Sambuddha Sasana, the Maha Sangha, Buddhists, and Sri Lanka’s culture and civilization.
He stressed that the gathering is strictly non-political and is not intended to promote or favour any political party or individual. Instead, he said the objective is to safeguard religion, culture, and Buddhist monks amid what he described as mounting pressure from certain lawmakers, social media activists, and members of the clergy. (NewsWire)
