Sri Lanka's UNP: Government Lacks Power to Establish Religious Court

The United National Party (UNP) has issued a statement asserting that the current government does not possess the authority to establish a "Dharmadhikarana," a religious court. The party contends that the constitution does not empower the executive, legislative, or judicial branches to interpret Buddhist doctrine.

This statement comes in response to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's recent public agreement with a call to emulate the actions of past kings who intervened in religious matters. The UNP's statement highlighted that some historical kings had even ordered the killing of monks, an act considered a grave sin in Buddhism after shedding the blood of the Buddha. The party questioned the morality of the President accepting such a call, especially given the history of violence associated with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the President's party.

The UNP further criticized the JVP's historical stance on Buddhism, stating the party has never prioritized Buddhism politically and has often acted against it. This raises a significant question, according to the UNP: can a party with a history of violence against monks effectively govern and implement such measures? The UNP also questioned the hidden motives behind this proposal.

The statement referenced historical precedents, including provisions made by J.R. Jayewardene in the 1978 constitution to establish a Sangha Tribunal for addressing disciplinary issues among monks. It also criticized the government's handling of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and Vesak Day, suggesting a disruption of traditional observances. While not opposing action against errant monks, the UNP stressed the need to follow established procedures, including consulting the Maha Sangha before making decisions. They also pointed out that bringing monks before secular courts is not unprecedented, citing historical examples.