21 Questions & Answers concerning the decision of Buddhist Monks to contest Parliamentary Elections

19 March 2004 - A cross section of people have raised the following concerns through the media. In response, the Jathika Hela Urumaya ( JHU ) briefly clarify its position as below.

Decision to contest elections – 09 Questions

1. As per Buddha’s teaching, is it appropriate to enter politics ?

There is no bar in either vinaya pitaka ( disciplinary precept) or in the judicial system governing the maha sangha in this country. Conversely, the noble objective is very much in line with Buddha’s teaching. Moving away from traditional politics, the objective of JHU is to work towards safeguarding the Buddha Doctrine and consequently establish a Bauddha Rajjya. (Buddhist State) The JHU is only a craft as per election law, but never shall be shouldered infinitely as mainstream parties do.

2. Isn’t it much better for the monks to be in the temple rather, go to parliament ?

For a Buddhist monk, it will be the most ideal to be with their dayaka(faithful). But unfortunately, today villagers are deeply divided on political lines. In such a backdrop how could a concerned monk be at the temple? It’s not practical. A select few should be in the legislature. The parliament is the most ideal place to legalise our pressing issues concerning Buddhist principals. Though the monks go into parliament, they shall not desist from their role as the advisory for Buddhist laymen or do away from traditional sermons. They could not and will not be inalienable. Remember, a disciplined parliament depicts a disciplined people.

3. Never has clergy appointed to parliament. This has not happened any where in the world ?

False. There have been numerous instances where Buddhist monks themselves have taken decisive roles, on and off the legislature. For instance in Sri Lankan history when King Dutugemunu was ruler, monks went to the defense of the country and monarchy. In the United Kingdom-popularly known for as the cradle of parliamentary system of governance, has an upper house,( namely the ‘House of Lords’) where draft parliamentary acts are to be ratified before them. Likewise, in Iran you find an Islamic supreme council. Further, Buddhist countries such as Thailand, Cambodia have similar representation. In fact, in the previous parliament itself we saw an elected Buddhist monk. So there is a precedent. If you peruse some nomination lists of political parties, you find a host of uneducated, indiscipline laymen in the fray. As such, what is wrong in fielding non-violent monks to represent the majority Sinhala Buddhists in parliament ?

4. Haven’t the Chief Incumbents of the 3 Nikaya voiced their opposition ?

Yes. They have. We respect their view. They have to take a more traditional stance. That is how it should be, so we didn't invite them to participate in the struggle, but we will lead the struggle on their behalf. Politics has destroyed the country. Sinhala Buddhists are deprived of their right of place. The Mahanayaka thero themselves are tired of deceptive politicians. Recall how many times the Most Venerable Madihe Pannasiha Thero wrote and spoke on the shortcoming of the state and its governance? Did the powers that be listen? No. So are there any further alternatives other than to show the strength inside the legislature? Our campaign is not stage managed. It’s a disciplined campaign. The parliament is notorious for its unruly behavior. It has become a power house for other religious extremists. So it is necessary to move into the root of the devils house to cleanse through the preaching of Dhamma.

5. A new crisis in the form of a break (Sangaha Beydhaya) of Buddhist clergy has created by JHU?

We vehemently deny this. We see only a meager protest emanated within politically motivated Green, Blue and Red branded monks. Our foremost concern is arresting the deteriorating Buddha sasana but not safeguarding lay politicians. We are apolitical. Unfortunately, a cult of tradition has sprung up to sling mud at JHU by some monks who have been at no way associated with practical realities. We are determined to detach these monks as well in good faith. We have reached to the hearts and minds of ordinary people and this has naturally hurt some monks and a few politicians. 6.If by any chance, the total votes polled by JHU become small, wouldn’t it be detrimental to Buddhists ?

If it does happen the entire country may well be unhappy. Some media, with partisan agendas will use it to their advantage. So this time, a golden opportunity is upon you to show your loyalty towards Buddhism. There are more than 70% Buddhists in Sri Lanka. At this juncture we are not naive to believe that all will come the JHU way, but every true Buddhist could show a massive show of strength. Do not forget that all these years the minority political parties took undue advantage as the king maker inside the legislature. They auctioned their few seats to win unjust & extreme demands. So it is important to push for more Sinhala Buddhist representation through the only full non-laymen party. i.e. JHU.

7. Is the JHU a kind of cats paw of the United National party ?

Certainly not. JHU is or never will be any body’s cats paw. Social conscious & dedicated Buddhist volunteers have come forward from all over the country to carry out organising work at the JHU. They themselves donate money in earnest. The contesting monks are very independent and this has itself opened to politically motivated elements to dream-merge JHU with other parties. In order to abide by election laws, the ‘Sihala Urumaya’ was magnanimous enough to help the monks. They donated their party to us. JHU is ever grateful to them. But this doesn’t mean that they nor the United National Party nor any other party, is bankrolling the JHU.

8. By this decision to contest aren’t the monks eating into the UPFA vote base ?

It is only a half truth. Party loyalists of both SLFP-JVP as well as UNP people are breaking away from tradition to vote the Buddhist priests this time. A significant number of floating voters plus disgusted people of both mainstream parties are ready to vote for the ‘Conch Shell’ (Hak Gediya). Many of them have lost faith in the larger parties due to their deceptive acts in the past, anti Sinhala-Buddhist behavior, violence, opportuniticism, power-greed and lust for money, just to name a few. Contrary, the monks put forward by JHU have gained faith among people of all walks of life.

9. Have not some Buddhist monks taken Ven. Soma sudden demise to their advantage?

Not at all. Ven. Soma undoubtedly did a yeoman service in re-awakening the Sinhala Buddhists in the country. Some political parties tried to snatch away the momentum to their advantage. Within the past 3 months his movement precipitated the signing of Sandhana’s (MOU’s) and subsequently expedited the decision to dissolve parliament. The passing away brought the Buddhist devotees in a large way close to the principals of Buddhism. The fellow, close & dear monks of Ven. Soma were determined to carry on from where he did not finish. As heirs, to his philosophy, they have come forward through JHU. Never will the Buddhist priests of this election unduly disrespect Ven. Soma. It is the lay political parties who claim and shoulder the dead for political expediency.

The election campaign – 04 Questions

10. Will the monks vie for preferential votes ?

No. It is inappropriate for any member of the clergy to ask for a preferential vote. Above all, the JHU is not interested in promoting personalities. The only request is for you to vote for the ‘Conch Shell’. Further, the monks shall desist from canvassing for the party. They will only explain their purpose, problems faced by the country and policies. It is the laity who voluntarily support the Buddhist priests who will request you to cast your vote. All members of JHU be it the priests or lay have solemnly pledged to refrain from using provocative jargon against any party or candidate.

11. Could the monks attract votes given the culture of electioneering in this country ?

It is indeed a battle-field. People have been used to expect attractive colours and abusive language on stage. Candidates spend on liquor, provide arms and solicit votes by force. These are needless to say are deplorable. Our campaign is one with non-violence. It’s themed ‘paramitha perahera’ or a "procession of aspirations". Our concern is to keep all who flock around us in calm. An environment friendly campaign is another aspect. The Bhikku's will only engage in Bodu Maha Samulu (Buddhist Conferences), which will be held throughout the country. They will be different from the usual political meetings. We will engage in a righteous way that will not tarnish the Bhikshuthwa or Bhikshu Prathipada. You can meet us through the media and our website. This way of election campaign shall be a trendsetter in future. Many people agree with us.

12. Is it appropriate to use the Buddhist flag in politics ?

The Buddhist flag is a symbol of Buddhist identity. The ownership of it lies with the Buddhist clergy and no one else. The JHU has fielded only Buddhist priests thus it could be used in all respect in the paramitha perahera. The ethics of display of the flag is well understood by the monks. Today, mainstream political parties use the Singha flag indiscriminately in an unbecoming manner, to the utter dismay of all nationals in this country. We have seen drunk party loyalists, dancing dressed with the Singha flag in front their leaders. Such is the scant respect. In contrast, the monks will definitely accord the Buddhist flag its due high place.

13. There is speculation that the JHU might withdraw candidates prior to April 02 ?

The step taken forward will never be taken back. The determination is so high for a Bauddha Rajjya. Devoted Sinhala Buddhists, are so keen on the path we have taken. A withdrawal will be a betrayal. We have no faith in the two or three existing party’s or aspirants of power. They could never fulfill the struggle on behalf of Sinhala Buddhists. History has shown instances where candidates have stepped down on conditional withdrawals. But it’s anybody’s guess on how far promises were kept!

Once in parliament – 03 Questions

14. Would the Buddhist priests be tempted with luxuries of office ?

There is cut throat competition to enter parliament by so many laymen simply because it is a plum with all perks. The JHU is totally dismayed of this trend. They will be in parliament with the minimal logistics to discharge their purpose and so refrain from luxury. It is the Buddhist robe which will be looked & respected upon by people, and the monks will certainly bare that in mind.

15. How could the Buddhist priests tackle parliamentary procedure with no prior experience of governance ?

This is a question of intelligence and determination. We have a goal a.k.a Bauddha Rajjya. The monks are not asking for ministries. Hence, there will be no executory or direct duty but a more of supervisory and advisory role within the legislature. When the need arises experts will be consulted. Many elected representatives today, are not conversant enough in legal drafts, about Sinhala Buddhist rights, native needs nor in world trends. This is one reason for the backward status of this country. In this background, the concept of Bauddha Rajjya will be established as per our policy statement (Prathipaththi Pujawa) one at a time. The determination is very clear.

16. Is there any attempt to resign from parliament in preference for a party ?

Many people have been raising this question with Sihala Urumaya in mind. The Jathika Hela Urumaya and Sihala Urumaya are two different entities. Soon after the election, JHU shall be registered separately with the Elections Commissioner. The Buddhist priests will remain in parliament till all 12 points listed in the Prathipaththi Pujawa are firmly rooted in this land. It may take time. But our determination up until a Dharma Rajjya is established should not be under-estimated. As such, the question of a premature resignation does not arise. But one day, we will revert back to the temple, once we are satisfied that a professional group of apolitical, laity could carry on our objectives.

Policies – 05 Questions

17. Will there be certain impediments imposed on other religions or faiths ?

Not at all. This is an unnecessary phobia. The Buddhist philosophy is one of tolerance. Lord Buddha in his discourse has clearly spelled out ways & means of respect and democratic existence. The JHU Prathipaththi Pujawa is very clear on this. The majority religion in this country is Buddhism and it should be preserved and propagated. In doing so, other faiths are to be protected and every effort will be made to foster greater harmony with religious dignitaries. There is a strong lobby of religious extremism in Sri Lanka engaged in unethical conversions. These efforts will be nullified as a priority by the monks in parliament.

18. Could the JHU representatives win the faith of minorities ?

Definitely yes, and in much better sense than the two parties. A true Buddhist doesn’t harbor ill feelings of nationalism. Equal opportunity or the doctrine of universal love towards mankind was exemplary during the days of king Dharmashoka. The JHU and its monks look at the minorities in a broad sense with ahimsa as means of conflict resolution. As things stand today, JHU observe the North-East question in a perspective of a terrorist outbreak. The majority citizen - Sinhala Buddhists are greatly disadvantaged by this not to undermine the hardships for all minorities. An answer on regional autonomy on ethnic lines is unacceptable but upon an open discussion a justifiable decentralisation of administrative powers should be pursued. In such a decentralisation distinct identities of Tamil, Muslim and Burgher community will be respected. In compromise, the interests of Sinhala Buddhist should not be betrayed.

19. With JHU in fray, will the end result be war ?

We condemn the call for creating a psychological fear of war. But as a sovereign nation JHU stands for a strong Army and Police to prevent secession. In defense of greater law & order, the Buddhist priests will strengthen such institutions. In the forthcoming parliament there will be face to face contact of the key figures of the parties entangled in conflict. Dialogue is the better option against war drums.

20. The monks are not in favour of devolution of power ?

This word ‘ devolution’ is an imported predator. It is viewed by some as the panacea for all ills. Attempts are made to force this concept upon us with vested interests in order to break this Island, and in the long run instill fanatic religious beliefs. It is gullible that any minority community will see devolution as an attractive proposition. But it creates conditions for seperaticism. Ordinary people in this country have problems of day-today living and are not power hungry. For their needs such as in defense, agriculture, water, trade, education, health, transport, administrative concerns etc the solution lies in effective ‘decentralisation’ to village level communes. We term it as ‘Grama rajjya sankalpaya’. It is perfectly possible in a unitary Buddhist state. Consciousness of all ordinary minorities who are not politically motivated for office would agree.

21. What is the economic policy ?

By today, the economic complications have come very hard. We hear extreme debates on left/right, capitalism/socialism, open/close, market/welfare, all the time but the country seem slipping fast in the world arena. Buddha has taught a complex economic philosophy that is people centric. It is to uplift the moral soul of people before putting grandiose plans on paper. A national economy which accords a greater role for the farmer and local entrepreneur should be encouraged. Corruption and gambling economics is not tolerated. Polices to bridge the gap of wealth accumulation need to be introduced where greater productivity earns profits under equal opportunity afforded by the state. New technology to suit local conditions will be encouraged. Foreign trade must be promoted but to suit the culture of the country.

Jathika Hela Urumaya

www.jayasanka.org