Grand Sangha Assembly for the Protection of the Buddha Sasana and the Nation

In view of the current national, religious, and political climate in the country, a massive Grand Sangha Assembly organized by the Sasanarakshaka Sangha Sabhawa (Council for the Protection of the Sasana) was successfully held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre, Colombo (SLECC), with the participation of thousands of members of the Venerable Maha Sangha.

The assembly emphasized that the entire Maha Sangha of Sri Lanka must take an organized and active lead for the protection of the Buddha Sasana and the Nation. The presiding Theros pointed out that both the Buddhist public and the monks are deeply concerned about the hostility being directed at the Maha Sangha, at a time when the country, the nation, and the religion are falling under the grip of various false forces and separatists.

The Theros alleged that multiple actions are being carried out against the Sri Lankan Mahavihara-lineage Theravada Buddha Sasana and against the monks, including insults, devaluation, causing damage, as well as physical and verbal abuse. The assembly also revealed that a number of parties including forces of other religions, certain foreign organizations, politicians, and social media activists driven by NGOs are directly involved and are providing financial and material support to carry out this anti-Buddhist program.

The Maha Sangha pointed out that they can no longer remain silent in the face of extremist forces who are striving to erase the Buddha Sasana and culture that have been protected at the cost of their lives for centuries. They also focused on issues such as the quantitative and qualitative decline of the Sinhala Buddhist population, the lack of children being directed toward the monkhood, the failure to modernize Bhikshu education, and institutional management weaknesses. The Theros further emphasized that finding academic and practical solutions to these problems is an urgent need.

Based on all these matters, it was decided to prepare and submit a special Sasanika Proposal to the Government. The purpose is:

1. To urge the authorities to actively fulfill their constitutional responsibility to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana,

2. To remind the State and lay leadership of their responsibilities, and

3. To affirm the self-responsibility of the Bhikshu community.

The Sasanarakshaka Sangha Sabhawa also specifically emphasized that this assembly is in no way intended to be anti-government or to empower any private groups.

2026.07.27
Dulara Gunathilaka
Convener
United Sinhala Organizations
076 648 3664

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