Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the rulers of the country have an obligation to protect Buddhism.
Speaking at a religious ceremony in the Galle area, he noted that even during periods of foreign rule, steps were taken to safeguard Buddhism, and therefore current leaders cannot shirk this responsibility.
Elaborating further, the former President said: “The Viharagam and Dewalagam Ordinance of 1931, also known as the Buddhist Temporalities Act, ensures that properties belonging to temples remain with the temples. All the gold items we donate belong either to the devalayas or to the temples. I do not know what would happen to the country if anyone attempts to interfere with them.
In 1815, King George III of England accepted the responsibility of protecting Buddhism. Every political party has a duty to continue this tradition and, together with the Maha Sangha, ensure its protection.”
