“This leader doesn’t listen to us - only pretends he takes our advice” – Ven. Malwatu Mahanayke

“Sri Lanka’s current ruler pretends he follows the advice of the most venerable Mahanayakes but in reality, is deceiving the entire nation – given the appalling circumstances in the country today, I may not permit visits by him to my Temple in the future”, said Most Ven. Tibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero, Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter. The highly respected and revered Thero made these comments when the family of the disappeared journalist Pragith Eknaligoda paid him a visit.

 
“ A journalist’s responsibility is to let the people know the truth – he must write. We have a right to know the truth. To get rid of such people is not democracy. We cannot condone such acts.”
 
“ Today, they have imprisoned a war hero who brought victory and honour to our nation. It is a crime. As far as I can see, there’s nothing there – however, if he has erred, he is worthy enough to be forgiven. The politicians of today are deceiving the entire nation. They pretend to follow our advice but do not. “
 
“ I have a complete file with me on how the poor people who voted for the other side are being harassed. They cannot go to sleep at night ; they run into the jungles to escape being taken in the night. This is taking place in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Matara etc. There’s nothing we can do but to tell the country that this is happening.”
 
“ The voters must not send such people to represent them. If this is the status of the country, then there would not be any progress. You come to see me, to share your sorrow with me but I am sad to say there’s nothing I can do. The politicians pretend to the entire country that they are following our advice but they are not. I think I should not ask politicians to come visit my temple. There’s no point, is there?”
 
“ If the rulers harass the innocent people of the country, why do you need them? It is very clear they are not following our advice.”