Buddhist Monks Rally In Sri Lanka To Pressure The Government For A Wider Role In Affairs Of State

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Hundreds of Buddhist monks rallied successful nan superior of Sri Lanka connected Friday to protestation alleged authorities disrespect of their belief and disregard for a long-standing contented that they beryllium consulted successful matters of state.

The protestation passed without immoderate reported violence.

The constitution of nan land federation of astir 22 cardinal group states that Buddhism is nan authorities religion, though state of belief is protected by law. The charter besides states that nan authorities has an responsibility to protect and foster Buddhism.

More than 70% of nan organization is Buddhist and their clergy are influential successful social, taste and governmental affairs. There are besides number Hindus, Muslims and Christians surviving successful Sri Lanka.

The monks astatine nan protestation successful Colombo publication retired an entreaty statement they said would beryllium sent to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The statement said nan work of nan authorities successful nan land federation is to guidelines its values connected nan principles of Buddhism, which emerged successful nan 5th period B.C. successful ancient India, and admit nan correct of nan clergy to counsel successful nan affairs of nan state.

It besides urged for excluding non-Buddhists from apical agency successful Sri Lanka, incorporating Buddhist values successful schools and nan acquisition strategy and protecting each archaeological sites connected to nan religion.

The entreaty is apt portion of nan efforts by nan monks to unit nan government.