A senior Buddhist monk issues a stark warning, claiming Sri Lanka’s culture, children, and religious foundations are under unprecedented threat from state-backed policies.
Venerable Walawahegunawewe Dhammarathana Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Mihinthala Rajamaha Viharaya, has launched a scathing public critique of the current government, alleging that it is implementing a destructive program unseen in the country over the past 76 years. Speaking to the media, the Thero claimed that the administration is attempting to reshape Sri Lanka into a secular state while promoting what he described as morally dangerous social agendas.
The Thero expressed deep concern over recent changes to school education, stating that new subjects introduced to six year old children amount to “child abuse.” He accused senior political leaders, including the Prime Minister, of endangering children through curriculum reforms that he believes expose minors to inappropriate concepts at an early age. According to him, these moves threaten the moral fabric of society and undermine parental authority.
Venerable Dhammarathana Thero further alleged that efforts are underway to normalize homosexuality among children, warning parents to “wake up” and resist these developments. He claimed that statements attributed to Mr. Lal Kantha and Mr. Bimal Ratnayake point to a broader agenda aimed at dismantling traditional social values. The Thero described references to financial incentives for schoolchildren and the distribution of contraceptives as acts of “child abuse” directed at vulnerable minors.
He also alleged that Mrs. Samanmali, the wife of Mr. Bimal Ratnayake, has publicly supported the legalization of prostitution, which he cited as further evidence of a moral breakdown being encouraged by elements within the government. In his view, these policies are part of a coordinated effort to erode Sri Lanka’s cultural and ethical foundations.
Beyond education, the Thero accused the government of disregarding the authority of the Mahanayake Theros and weakening the institutional role of Buddhism by abolishing the post of Minister of Buddha Sasana. He said sacred places and Sinhala Buddhist rituals no longer receive due respect, and that even formal communications from senior clergy are being ignored.
Calling for international intervention, Venerable Dhammarathana Thero urged that these matters be reported to the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. He appealed for all communities, regardless of religion or political affiliation, to unite “as if going to war” to protect the country’s children, culture, and moral order, stressing that national survival must take precedence over partisan politics.
