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Monday, 29 September 2014 01:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
He says Sri Lanka is a Sinhalese Buddhist country and Buddhism in Sri Lanka is now facing a threat from some groups, including according to him, extremist Muslim and Christian groups.
Speaking in front of a large gathering of monks and guests, including Ashin Wirathu, the dreaded leader of the 969 Movement in Myanmar and the Vedda chief, the Wimalajothi Thero rejected the “terrorist” tag on the BBS.
He claimed that thousands of illegal immigrants are living in Sri Lanka, including in mosques, and he urged the Government to address the issue.
Wimalajothi Thero said that a BBS policy statement will be presented to the Government detailing the concerns of Buddhists in Sri Lanka and if the Government fails to address the issue then the BBS and Buddhists in Sri Lanka will “bring a man from the village” to lead the country and make the change.
Meanwhile, speaking at the conference, Ashin Wirathu said that his 969 Movement in Myanmar will join hands with the BBS to protect Buddhism around the world.
He also thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for ensuring he was able to visit Sri Lanka to attend the BBS convention despite calls for his visa to be cancelled.
BBS Chief Executive Officer Dilantha Withanage said that Sri Lanka needs a new constitution in order to protect the majority community of Sri Lanka.
He also said that the National Flag must be changed in order to recognise the Sinhalese community only and not the minorities, and all Tamils and Muslims as well as religions other than Buddhists should be recognised as Sinhala Christians, Sinhala Islam and Sinhala Hindus.
The crowd at the conference, which organisers said was around 5000, chanted “Sinhala, Sinhala” at the end of the speech by Dilantha Withanage.
The General Secretary of the BBS, Galaboda aththe Gnanasara Thero, said that the Government has now been given a “red light” ahead of the Presidential Elections expected to be held next year.
He said that the BBS will also look to gather the support of all Tamils to support its campaign to make a change in Sri Lanka.
He said that the BBS will also “take action” against the Sri Lanka Muslim Council for attempting to stop the Wirathu from attending the conference.
Gnanasara Thero also issued a one-week ultimatum to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake to bring about the change the BBS expects or face the consequences.
“Our Chinthanaya cannot be the Chinthanaya of D.S. Senanayake or Bandaranaike but the Lord Buddha,” he added.
He also demanded a debate with Muslim leaders on some concerns he had over Islam which he says need to be addressed immediately.
The Gnanasara Thero also raised concerns over moves by the leader of the People’s Movement for a Just Society Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thero to contest as the common candidate at the next presidential elections.
He claimed Non-Governmental Organisations and the diplomatic community are backing Sobhitha Thero to contest the elections. The monk also accused the Government of being corrupt in its deals when constructing roads and highways. He said the BBS will go across the island, including the North and East, and gather support for its campaign to bring about the change the BBS seeks in Sri Lanka. (Colombo Gazette)
