Buddhist monks rally in Sri Lanka to pressure the government for a wider role in affairs of state скачать в хорошем качестве

Buddhist monks rally in Sri Lanka to pressure the government for a wider role in affairs of state

(21 Feb 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Colombo, Sri Lanka - 20 February 2026 1. Performers playing instruments, spectators watching 2. Mid of queue of monks arriving 3. SOUNDBITE (Sinhala) Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, Secretary General of Bodu Bala Sena: ++SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY OVERLAID BY SHOTS 4-5++ “The way the law is being enforced against those who stand to protect antiquities, including the destruction of them, is very unconstitutional. And this massive insult to monks, sponsored by the state. The aim of this conference is to reach a consensus on these issues." 4. Various of monks sitting infront of stage 5. Mid of hundreds of monks arriving 6. SOUNDBITE (English) Chandra Nimal Wakishta, President of the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress: ++SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY OVERLAID BY SHOT 7++ “No, this is not a protest; this is a very peaceful gathering. And this gathering is not to demand anything. We are demanding the rights of Buddhism and Buddhist people of Sri Lanka, and citizens of Sri Lanka, and all monks of Sri Lanka." 7. Mid of performers 8. Mid of monks STORYLINE: Hundreds of Buddhist monks rallied in the capital of Sri Lanka on Friday to protest alleged government disrespect of their religion and disregard for a long-standing tradition that they be consulted in matters of state.  Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, secretary general of the Sinhalese Buddhist organization Bodu Bala Sena, said the aim was to reach a consensus. “The way the law is being enforced against those who stand to protect antiquities, including the destruction of them, is very unconstitutional,” he told The Associated Press on Friday. “And this massive insult to monks, sponsored by the state.” The protest passed without any reported violence. Chandra Nimal Wakishta, the President of the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress said it's "not a protest". "We are demanding the rights of Buddhism and Buddhist people of Sri Lanka, and citizens of Sri Lanka, and all monks of Sri Lanka," he said. The constitution of the island nation of around 22 million people states that Buddhism is the state religion, though freedom of religion is protected by law. The charter also states that the government has an obligation to protect and foster Buddhism. More than 70% of the population is Buddhist and their clergy are influential in social, cultural and political affairs. There are also minority Hindus, Muslims and Christians living in Sri Lanka. The monks at the protest in Colombo read out an appeal note they said would be sent to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The note said the responsibility of the government in the island nation is to base its values on the principles of Buddhism, which emerged in the 5th century B.C. in ancient India, and recognize the right of the clergy to counsel in the affairs of the state. It also urged for excluding non-Buddhists from top office in Sri Lanka, incorporating Buddhist values in schools and the education system and protecting all archaeological sites connected to the religion. The appeal is likely part of the efforts by the monks to pressure the government. AP video by Jayamapthi Palipane =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: info@aparchive.com. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...