GALLE:
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the foremost place given to Buddhism in the Constitution and the state’s obligation to protect it cannot be altered by any government without a national referendum.
The President made these remarks while addressing the ceremony to present the Aktapatra (Act of Appointment) to Ven. Pelawatte Chandima Nayaka Thero, the Chief Sanghanayaka of the Galle District (Asgiriya Chapter) and Head of the Mandulapura Sri Mahinda Maha Viharaya.
Galle: The Hub of Buddhist Renaissance
Reflecting on history, Wickremesinghe noted that Galle was the epicenter of the Buddhist revival. He credited the leadership of Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero for spearheading this movement with the support of both clergy and laity. He highlighted how leaders from the South played a pivotal role in historical events like the ‘Panadura Vadaya’ and in collaborating with figures like Colonel Olcott to uplift Buddhism.
Constitutional Protection and Inviolability
The President traced the legal protection of Buddhism back to the 1815 Kandyan Convention, noting that even British monarchs accepted the responsibility to protect the Sasana. He stated that the provisions included in the 1972 and 1978 Constitutions are deeply rooted in people’s sovereignty. “Articles regarding the status of Buddhism and religious freedom cannot be removed or amended without a mandate from the people through a referendum,” he asserted, adding that violating these constitutional principles would undermine the supremacy of the nation.
Buddhism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In a modern twist, the President discussed the intersection of technology and spirituality. He revealed that the welcome song for the ceremony had been composed using AI, illustrating the potential of technology in religious outreach. Sharing a personal anecdote, he said:
“I asked ChatGPT a question based on the first verse of the Dhammapada, comparing the human mind to Artificial Intelligence. Even the AI admitted that the mind is supreme and that artificial intelligence remains limited.”
He urged religious leaders to pay attention to how AI and commercial global trends might impact religion in the future, noting that while billions are invested in AI by global powers, the core teachings of the Dhamma remain a vital anchor.
The event was attended by UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, former Ministers Gayantha Karunathilaka and Piyasena Gamage, along with a large gathering of Maha Sangha and devotees.
