Venerable Akmeemana Dayarathana Thero has raised strong objections over the government’s decision to charge for police escort vehicles requested for the 11th Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Maha Perahera, scheduled for Vesak Poya.
According to the Thero, officials informed them that Rs. 9,000 must be paid for the police convoy, with an additional Rs. 450 charged for each kilometer the vehicle travels. Expressing dismay, Dayarathana Thero said this demand was deeply disrespectful, especially for a religious and charitable act conducted in honor of Vesak.
The monks refused to make the payment, insisting that religious observances, especially Buddhist traditions enshrined in the nation’s heritage, should not be subject to commercial demands. “The government is constitutionally obliged to safeguard Buddhism,” Dayarathana Thero emphasized during a press conference.
He also recalled the warning issued by Professor Kotapitiye Rahula Thero, who stated that if Buddhist rights continued to be undermined, the clergy may be forced to protest on the streets.
The monks warned the government not to “take revenge on Buddhism,” cautioning that those who disrespect the religion will inevitably face karmic consequences. They also posed a pointed question: “Will the government charge for police escort vehicles during the Dalada Perahera too?”
Venerable Dayarathana Thero urged authorities to rethink such policies and to uphold the cultural and religious traditions of the country with the respect they deserve.
