Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for urgent reforms to safeguard Buddhism in Sri Lanka, warning that public confidence in religious institutions—particularly among the younger generation—is being eroded by allegations of misconduct involving members of the Maha Sangha.
In a special video statement, Kumaratunga said many Sri Lankans are deeply concerned about a number of recent incidents involving Buddhist monks.
She referred to reports of monks being arrested over drug-related offences, as well as allegations that the chief incumbent of several prominent Buddhist temples had sexually abused a young girl over a period of two years.
The former President said such incidents have seriously damaged public trust in the Buddhist clergy and warned that the continued loss of confidence in religious institutions could have far-reaching consequences for society, particularly for young people.
Kumaratunga also expressed concern that political leaders have remained largely silent despite the seriousness of the allegations.
She revealed that she had written to the Mahanayake Theros requesting that the Maha Sangha take the lead in initiating reforms within the Buddhist clergy.
According to Kumaratunga, the proposal received a positive response, and she has suggested the appointment of a committee comprising senior Buddhist monks, civil society representatives, and leaders of other religious communities to study the issues and recommend reforms.
She further urged the government to establish the necessary legal framework to implement the committee’s recommendations, stressing that stronger mechanisms are needed to protect the Buddha Sasana and restore public confidence in religious institutions.
Emphasizing that safeguarding religious institutions is a collective responsibility, Kumaratunga called on both leaders and citizens not to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing and to work together to uphold the integrity of the country’s religious heritage.
