Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks Demand Greater Government Role in Religious Affairs

Hundreds of Buddhist monks demonstrated peacefully in Sri Lanka's capital Friday, calling for more religious influence in government decisions. The clergy delivered a formal appeal to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake requesting enhanced consultation rights and Buddhist-centered policies.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — A peaceful demonstration took place Friday in Sri Lanka’s capital as hundreds of Buddhist monks gathered to voice concerns about what they describe as government neglect of their religious traditions and diminished consultation in state matters.

The demonstration concluded without incidents of violence being reported.

Sri Lanka’s constitution designates Buddhism as the official religion for the island nation’s approximately 22 million residents, while simultaneously guaranteeing religious freedom for all citizens. The founding document also establishes government responsibility to safeguard and promote Buddhist practices.

Buddhist adherents comprise over 70% of Sri Lanka’s population, with their religious leaders wielding considerable influence across social, cultural and political spheres. Hindu, Muslim and Christian minorities also call the island home.

During the Colombo demonstration, participating monks presented a formal petition they announced would be delivered to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The petition declared that government leadership on the island should ground its principles in Buddhist teachings, which originated in ancient India during the 5th century B.C., while acknowledging clergy rights to provide guidance on state issues.

Additional demands included barring non-Buddhist individuals from senior government positions, integrating Buddhist teachings throughout educational institutions and curricula, and ensuring protection of all religious archaeological locations.

The formal request appears to represent ongoing efforts by religious leaders to influence government policy and decision-making processes.