Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa alleges Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha has violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act No. 56 of 2007 (ICCPR Act) by insulting Buddhism and the Maha Sangha.
Issuing a statement, MP Rajapaksa noted that Lal Kantha recently insulted the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Walawahengunawe Dhammarathana Thera by referring to him as a “forest dweller,” and strongly condemned such disparagement of a Buddhist leader.
Pointing out that the ICCPR Act specifies that “no person shall propagate war or advocate national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence,” Rajapaksa further said Lal Kantha’s remarks amount to spreading religious hatred.
He questioned the government on what legal action would be taken against Lal Kantha under this law for insulting Buddhist leaders and promoting religious hostility, stressing that the law should apply equally to all.
The MP added that if an ordinary citizen or an opposition member had violated the law in this manner, they would already have been arrested and prosecuted, yet the government remains silent regarding Lal Kantha’s spreading of religious hatred and insults against the Maha Sangha.
MP Rajapaksa also emphasized that although there have been differences of opinion between politicians and the Maha Sangha throughout history, no politician in Sri Lanka has ever insulted the Maha Sangha in this way. (Newswire)