• Oppose Govt. interference in admin. affairs

The Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect has expressed its view that while it is acceptable to conduct a census on properties belonging to religious places, particularly Buddhist temples, the Government should, however, refrain from interfering in their administration.

It was recently reported that the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs has decided to conduct a census on the properties of all religious places including Buddhist temples.

Speaking to The Daily Morning on the matter, Secretary of the Supreme Sangha Council – Asgiri Maha Viharaya Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera said that conducting such a census is a timely need as it could aid in resolving certain problematic situations that have arisen regarding properties belonging to religious places. However, he said that the Government should not interfere in the administration of properties belonging to religious places. “The Government can conduct a census and clear certain problematic situations, but the administration of said properties should be done by the religious places themselves. It is not the Government’s role.”

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka had recently told the media that the Ministry’s Divisions related to Religious Affairs would conduct a census on properties belonging to religious places, including Buddhist temples, with the agreement of the Chief Prelates (Mahanayakas) of the main Buddhist sects as well as other religious leaders. He had said that the problematic situations pertaining to the properties and vehicles belonging to temples and their administration, and the lack of accurate information on religious places and their properties, including elephants, are some of the main reasons for such a census to be conducted.

In recent times, several issues related to lands and other forms of properties owned by religious places, particularly Buddhist temples, have been reported. Notable among such are the problematic situations that have arisen with regard to the extent of the land owned by the Kurundi Temple in Mullaitivu and the Muhudu Maha Viharaya in Pottuvil.