The conference is being convened under the leadership of Ven. Murutthettuwe Ananda Thero, Chairman of the Motherland Protection Organization. He said the gathering, which stands for the protection of race, religion and culture, is not being held for any political purpose.
He further stated that politicians and civil citizens, irrespective of whether they represent the government or the opposition, are free to participate. The conference will be open to four groups — monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen.
Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero said that the Supreme Sangha Councils of all three Nikayas, including the Tri-Nikaya Mahanayaka Theros, have been officially invited to attend the Maha Sangha Conference.
Pointing to what he described as organised attacks on Buddhist monks through social media and by certain groups, he noted that the need for such a conference has arisen in the current context. He also stated that any leader who governs the country in accordance with the Dasaraja Dharma would receive the blessings of the Maha Sangha.
The conference is being supported by several organisations, including the Buddhist Maha Sammelan, the Colombo Young Men's Buddhist Association and the Motherland Protection Organization.
