Sri Lanka’s four Chief Prelates have issued a united appeal urging Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their recent conflict peacefully.
The joint appeal, handed over today (30) by Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera to Minister Wijitha Herath, carried the signatures of Most Venerable Tibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera (Malwatta Chapter), Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Ñanarathana Thera (Asgiriya Chapter), Most Venerable Makulawe Sri Vimala Thera (Ramanna Nikaya), and Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maitri Murthi Thera (Amarapura Nikaya).
In their letter, the Chief Prelates expressed deep concern over the dispute reportedly linked to the ownership of an ancient temple, stressing that using religious sentiments to fuel power struggles goes against the teachings of the Buddha.
They called on both governments, religious leaders, and Buddhist communities in Thailand and Cambodia to seek a peaceful resolution, promote coexistence, and safeguard the noble values of Buddhism.
As disciples of the Buddha, it is our responsibility to ensure that His teachings on peace and non-violence are upheld in practice,” the letter stated, while recalling the historic role of Buddhist monks in preventing conflict and fostering harmony.
