The Chief prelates of the three Nikayas have written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake protesting against the introduction of short-sighted laws which, they say, are leading to social degradation, as well as against the state machinery’s attempts to promote what they describe as immoral homosexual behavior. The Theros further emphasize that if anyone seeks to govern the country based on narrow arbitrariness and blind beliefs, while disregarding its cultural identity, historical heritage, and traditional customs, such governance will inevitably bring about anarchy within the state and ultimately cause the collapse of the entire society.
The letter, which has been signed by the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala; the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana; the Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi; and the Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala, states as follows:
“We emphasize with deep concern that the proposed amendment to Section 82 of the Penal Code by the present government, which seeks to criminalize corporal punishment, together with the Tourism Development Authority’s endorsement of the promotion of the tourism sector through homosexuality, constitute a grave threat to moral order and are causes for serious social crises. We, the Maha Sangha, express our strong displeasure at the government’s efforts to promote laws and practices that pursue the narrow objective of fulfilling the indiscriminate demands of a very small group, while ignoring the role of social institutions and disregarding the moral identity of the nation.
Although it is claimed that the proposed amendments to the Penal Code will help to eliminate violence and give priority to discipline, such short-sighted laws will instead create an undisciplined generation of youth who show no respect for social institutions or social values, being subject to a system of ethics divorced from discipline. Laws, however, should be framed and implemented with regard not only to the safety of the individual but also to the well-being of society as a whole. Furthermore, it is a fundamental principle both in Buddhism and in law that the intention behind any action is decisive in judging its moral value. By disregarding this principle, the proposed amendments gravely insult the role of parents who dedicate themselves to disciplining their children, as well as teachers who are committed to raising students who are well-mannered and nourished with virtues. Edit above content
