Ven. Sumanarathana Thera suspended from his position as Chief Sanghanayake

Ven. Katumuluwe Sumanarathana Thera of the Padeniya Rajamaha Vihara has been suspended from his position as Chief Sanghanayake of the Devamedi Hatpatuwa by the Malwatta Chapter for holding the 'Sihinaya' programme on May 17 at the Padeniya Rajamaha Vihara.

 

The decision was taken in view of the Thera’s conduct, which was deemed unbecoming of the traditions of the Buddha Sasana and in violation of directives issued by the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Malwatta Chapter.

 

Complaints and representations made by several organisations and members of the Maha Sangha in the North Western Province contributed to this decision.

 

Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter, Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, in a letter addressed to Ven. Sumanarathana Thera, stated that pursuant to a decision by the Karaka Sangha Sabha, Ven. Sumanarathana Thera had been informed not to hold the 'Sihinaya' programme on May 17 at the Padeniya Rajamaha Vihara. Despite this, the programme had proceeded as planned.

 

Although Ven. Sumanarathana Thera had earlier informed the Karaka Sangha Sabha that the Maha Sangha in the area had given their consent for the programme via a letter, it was later revealed that they were unaware of the directive from the Karaka Sangha Sabha to cancel the event. Subsequently, they withdrew their letters of consent.

 

In his letter, Ven. Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera also pointed out that the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs had advised postponing the programme pending further decisions, as it could potentially disturb social co-existence.

 

The Mahanayake Thera further stated that Ven. Sumanarathana Thera, disregarding the decision of the Karaka Sangha Sabha and the traditions of the Buddha Sasana, had proceeded with the programme arbitrarily.