Ranil disapproves of appointing monks as presidential advisors

Thursday, 31 July 2014 00:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has criticised the Rajapaksa administration’s appointment of Buddhist monks as presidential advisors, saying the appointments skewed the role of the sangha in a Buddhist society. Addressing a meeting of experts at Sirikotha yesterday Wickremesinghe said that the appointment of certain Bhikkus as presidential advisors was not only creating certain divisions, but it was preventing the Government from seeking or heeding the advice of the other senior members of the Maha Sangha or the Mahanayakes. “Some of these monks also contest elections - what right does a presidential advisor have to contest elections?” Wickremesinghe asked. He said that the Government’s conduct in this regard was depriving the Mahanayakes of their traditional role as counsellors and advisors and spiritual guides of the ruling Government and all other political entities and individuals. Wickremesinghe noted that the Mahanayakes call to take action against drug scandals in the country and to prevent a casino culture from taking root in Sri Lanka had gone unheeded by the Government. “When the Mahanayakes asked the Government to refrain from holding the night races in the heritage city of Kandy, the Government has ignored the call and will race cars in the city,” he charged. He said the Government was also supporting certain Sangha forces, that were bringing disrepute to Buddhism. “The Government is trying to control the Sasana the way they control the media,” the Opposition Leader noted.

Ranil demands an end to Presidency

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) says it is firmly against the Executive Presidency and wants it abolished. UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said that continuing with the Executive Presidency is a threat to the country. “Not just us but even other political parties agree the Executive Presidency must be abolished,” he said. Wickremesinghe said that the main goal of the UNP is not only to remove the current President and his Government but to also address several key issues. The UNP leader said that the 17th Amendment to the Constitution must be implemented and officials with no political connection appointed to the State sector. He also noted the importance of the right to information and the independence of the judiciary.