Maha Sangha conference to be held on Feb. 20 in Colombo

2026-02-13 - 09:21

Chairman of the Motherland Protection Organization (Mawbima Surakimu Sanvidanaya) – Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera has said that a conference of Buddhist monks will be held on Feb. 20 in front of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC) in Colombo. It has been organised to address perceived threats and intimidation directed at the Buddha Sasana, the Maha Sangha, Buddhists and the country’s culture and civilization. The Thera made these remarks yesterday (Feb. 12) while addressing a media briefing at the Abhayarama Temple in Narahenpita. President of the ACBC – Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero, former DIG Chandra Nimal Wakishta, and President of the Colombo Youth Buddhist Association – Mahendra Jayasekara, also attended the press conference. Ven. Ananda Thero stressed that the Maha Sangha conference is not intended to promote any politician or to serve as a politically motivated gathering, but is being organized in response to threats against the nation, religion, culture and the Buddhist monks. The Thero further stated that the country should be governed in accordance with the 10 royal virtues (Dasa Raja Dharma), adding that the support of the Maha Sangha would be extended to any political leader who upholds those principles. Accordingly, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, other ministers, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Namal Rajapaksa or any other political leader, as well as civil servants, are free to attend the conference, the Thero further said. The Thera also noted that since 1956, from the era of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, rulers had paid heed to the blessings and guidance of the Maha Sangha. However, the Thero alleged that at present, certain ministers, social media activists, and even some members of the clergy are issuing various threats against the Buddha Sasana and Buddhist monks, and that the conference is being convened in response. He added that Mahanayake Theras and leaders of political parties have also been invited to the event. Ven. Ananda Thera further said that they would, in the future, work with leaders who observe the five precepts and govern in line with the 10 royal virtues. He claimed that some parties are attempting, via social media, to portray the holding of the conference as an effort to incite racism or religious extremism. Meanwhile, Ven. Palitha Thero stated that invitations have been extended to the 30 Mahanayake Theras of the 03 Nikayas, to 64 Anunayake Theras and to 32 secretaries, requesting their participation. The Thero added that it is impossible to say how many monks will ultimately attend the conference.