The bullet proof car
A bullet proof car was offered to Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, but the good Cardinal has thanked and declined the offer.
Onlookers seem to be offended over it perhaps fearing that they, including politicians lost the opportunity of taking the lead.
This kind of refusal of a free offer is not heard of these days. It surprises many. To some, it is mere news. Politicians by way of demanding “commissions” and granting favours, have polluted the psyche of the society to the extend that the unscrupulous would stoop to any level to grab things given free of charge, whether it is right or wrong, reminding one of the pithy Sinhala saying “picking up the coin lying on a heap of excreta with the tip of one’s tongue.”
The words and deeds of His Eminence is an unparalleled gesture for the greedy and the illiterate to follow. I wish that this country be blessed with guiding angels of the calibre of Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.
M.B. Ekanayake,
Pitakotte
Educated people must come forward
We saw on TV some university teachers request the authorities to have the Presidential Election on time. There should not be any attempt to postpone the election.
It is a good trend to see educated people come forward and involve in matters related to the development of the country and democracy, speak against injustice, fight against corruption and mismanagement.
We request other professionals too to come forward and speak on matters of importance for the progress of the country.
We often see some professionals only look after matters important to their profession. They are reluctant to speak on matters important to all the people in the country.
D. Weeratunga,
Nugegoda
Bhikkhus and properties
According to a recent news report, the most Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter has drawn the attention of the Chief Justice to court cases of Bhikkhus being delayed. It is well-known that more Bhikkhus do appear in law courts in connection with temple property.
The ownership of property by Bhikkhus was not approved by the Buddha. Atapirikara was the only property to be owned by the Bhikkus at the time of the Buddha. In early periods of Sri Lankan history, Bhikkus did not own private properties. This is proved by the stone inscriptions of ancient times.
Private ownership of property by the Bhikkhus is said to have started during the reign of King Walagamba. The Bhikkhus who owned property were condemned as such practice was an obstacle to attain Nibbana.
Two robes, waist, begging bowl, water filter or Perehankadaya, razor, needle and a ball of thread are the items of Atapirikara, the only property to be owned by the Bhikkhus.
Martin Dasanayaka,
Dompe