31/05/2026
දේශපාලනය සහ ආගම , ඉතාම හිරිකිත විදියට, එකිනෙකා ගෙන් යැපෙන බව , අප වැනි, මෝඩ අනුගාමිකයන් බහුල, සමාජයකින් මොනවට පැහැදිලි වේද.
**The Unholy Alliance: How Politics and Religion Feed Off Each Other in Sri Lanka**
In Sri Lanka, the deeply intertwined relationship between politics and religion has once again come under sharp public scrutiny. What should ideally be two separate spheres — one managing worldly affairs and the other guiding spiritual life — have become shamelessly dependent on one another, often at the expense of justice, morality, and public trust.
The recent controversy surrounding the Atamasthanadhipathi of Anuradhapura has laid bare this uncomfortable reality. The case has exposed how religious leaders seek political protection while politicians, in turn, rely on religious institutions for votes, legitimacy, and public support. This mutually beneficial but toxic alliance continues to thrive in a society where a large segment of the population remains emotionally attached and uncritical followers.
# # # A Culture of Blind Allegiance
This situation is painfully evident in “our society filled with foolish followers.” Many citizens have been conditioned over decades to view religious leaders as infallible and political figures as protectors of faith. This blind allegiance allows both sides to operate with reduced accountability.
When a senior monk faces serious allegations of child abuse, instead of demanding justice, sections of society and political actors rush to defend the robe. Conversely, politicians frequently visit temples with media fanfare, seeking blessings and photo opportunities to strengthen their image among voters. This exchange of favours has become so normalized that questioning it is often branded as an attack on religion itself.
# # # The Dangerous Consequences
This unholy alliance produces several damaging outcomes:
- **Erosion of the Rule of Law**: When religious figures appear to receive special treatment from law enforcement and the judiciary, public faith in institutions collapses.
- **Suppression of Justice**: Victims of abuse, particularly children, are forced to fight not only against powerful individuals but against an entire system that protects its own.
- **Manipulation of Devotees**: Ordinary people are emotionally exploited — their faith and fear are weaponized to serve political and institutional interests.
- **Stunted Social Progress**: A society that cannot separate religion from politics struggles to implement rational policies on education, child protection, and governance.
The Buddha himself warned against the dangers of excessive attachment and craving for power. Yet today, some who wear his robes appear more interested in preserving status and influence than upholding the discipline he established.
# # # Time for Honest Reflection
Sri Lanka desperately needs a mature conversation about the proper boundary between religion and state. True spirituality should empower people to think critically and act ethically, not turn them into obedient followers who can be easily manipulated.
Politicians must stop using temples as vote banks, and religious institutions must stop seeking political patronage to shield themselves from accountability. The principle of “One Country, One Law” must move beyond rhetoric and become a practical reality.
As a society, we must ask ourselves difficult questions: Are we genuine devotees of truth and justice, or merely emotional followers easily swayed by robes and political slogans? How long will we continue to allow this shameless mutual dependence to harm our children and damage our nation’s moral foundation?
The path forward requires courage — the courage to demand accountability from both politicians and religious leaders, and the wisdom to separate faith from power. Only then can Sri Lanka move towards becoming a truly just and civilized society.
The choice is ours. Will we continue to be “foolish followers,” or will we finally demand better from those who claim to lead us — both spiritually and politically?
