Chandrika calls for Buddha Sasana reforms to address threats to Buddhism

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has recently called on the Chief Prelates to urgently launch a comprehensive “Sasana Shodhana” (reform of the Buddhist order) programme and convene a Dhamma Sangayana (Buddhist council) to ensure the long-term preservation of Buddhism amid the emerging religious crisis.

Earlier, she had sent a letter to the Chief Prelates highlighting the need for immediate action.

Following that, she met with the Chief Prelates of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters today (07) to discuss the matter further.

During the discussions, issues related to recent alleged “attacks on the Sasana” and possible measures to address them were reviewed.

Media access to the meeting was not permitted.

In her letter to the Chief Prelates, the former President stated that Buddhism is currently facing some of the most serious challenges in its history.

She emphasised that isolated incidents should not be addressed separately, but rather through a structured and comprehensive “Sasana Shodhana” programme and a Dhamma Sangayana aimed at finding lasting solutions.

She also recalled that similar initiatives in the past, including those in 1956 and during her own tenure, with the involvement of Most Venerable Madihé Pannaseeha Thera, had failed due to opposition from privileged groups.