Two powerful Buddhist chapters advise government to withdraw 20A
Say 20th Amendment will deal a death blow to democracy
COLOMBO – A section of Sri Lanka’s powerful Buddhist clergy has opposed a constitutional amendment proposed by the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which would have given him sweeping powers over Parliament and the Judiciary
The Sri Lanka Amarapura and Ramanna Samagiri Maha Sangha sabha, in a joint statement on Monday (12) advised the government to withdraw the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, calling it a violation of democracy and an obstacle for freedom of expression.
They urged the government to draft a new constitution that upholds democracy and rule of law.
Two leading prelates representing the two orders (chapters) of monks, Ven Prof Pallekande Rathanasara Thera, Chief Registrar of the Amarapura Sect and Ven Aththangane Sasana Rathana Thera, Chief Registrar of the Ramanna order, later told reporters the 20th Amendment to the Constitution would “deal a death blow” to democracy in Sri Lanka.
They told reporters in Colombo on Monday (12) afternoon, the proposed amendment will not have a balance of power between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.
The statement did not include the most powerful and influential of the Chapters of Monks, the Siam Nikaya. However, Rathanasara Thera said their intention was to get all three traditions of Monks on board
“All power will be concentrated in the Executive setting us on the path to dictatorship,” the monks warned.
Sasana Rathana Thera said the 19TH Amendment enacted by the last Parliament brought some balance of power among the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive, but the proposed 20th Amendment gives all the power to the Executive. “Approving this will be like cutting our own necks in democratic terms,” he said.
“It is the view of the various chapters of monks who met and discussed this proposal last week that this proposal is being brought as part of someone’s personal agenda,” he added.
“We feel that as Buddhist Monks we need to safeguard democracy in this country and maintain the sovereignty of the people and the Rule of Law,” Rathanasara Thera said, adding that permitting persons with dual citizenship to hold political office will also destroy the independence of the country.
The proposed changes, he warned will allow those in power to “pillage the wealth of the people and will legalize the misuse of state property.”
He said the people had wanted a change in the Constitution but “they did not vote for this”.
At a time we are struck by a pandemic, we should first do our best to save our people and get over this disease and thereafter all the parties can come together and draft a new Constitution, he said.
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