Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for a comprehensive reform programme within the Buddhist clergy, stressing that the long-term preservation of Buddhism depends on safeguarding both the Dhamma and Vinaya (discipline).
In a statement addressed to the Mahanayake Theras of the three Buddhist chapters, Kumaratunga said Buddhist history has shown that periods of crisis within the Sasana were addressed through reform processes aimed at protecting the religion.
She referred to historical reforms carried out from the First Buddhist Council to the Kandyan era under the leadership of Welivita Sri Saranankara Thera, stating that such efforts helped ensure the continuity of Buddhism.
Kumaratunga said attempts made during the 1956 Bandaranaike administration to strengthen Buddhism were not completed following the assassination of former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike.
She also noted that during her presidency, plans had been made to hold a Buddhist Council under the guidance of the late Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayake Thera with full government backing, but the initiative was abandoned due to opposition from certain sections of the clergy.
The former President claimed that, on both occasions after independence, groups benefiting from existing issues within the Buddhist establishment had worked to prevent meaningful reforms.
She warned that Buddhism in Sri Lanka is currently facing serious challenges and called for a broad internal dialogue to identify the root causes of the crisis and implement both short-term and long-term solutions.
Kumaratunga said focusing only on isolated incidents or attempting to suppress public discussion surrounding them would not resolve the deeper issues affecting the Buddhist order.
She urged the Mahanayake Theras to take leadership in initiating a Dharma Sanghayana, or Buddhist Council, aimed at ensuring the future stability of the Buddhist order.
Kumaratunga also said she was prepared to work alongside a group of senior lay Buddhist leaders to provide the necessary organisation and support for such an initiative. (Newswire)