Hundreds of Buddhist monks rallied in Colombo on Friday to press the Sri Lankan government over what they described as disrespect toward their religion and disregard for a tradition that clergy should be consulted on matters of state, according to the Associated Press. The protest passed without any reported violence, AP reported.
The monks said they were protesting amid constitutional provisions that set Buddhism as the state religion while also protecting freedom of religion by law. AP reported that the constitution also places an obligation on the government to protect and foster Buddhism.
In Colombo, monks read out an appeal note they said would be sent to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The note said the responsibility of the government is to base its values on the principles of Buddhism, which emerged in the 5th century B.C. in ancient India, and to recognize the right of the clergy to counsel in the affairs of the state.
The appeal also called for excluding non-Buddhists from top office in Sri Lanka, incorporating Buddhist values into schools and the education system, and protecting archaeological sites connected to the religion. AP said the appeal was likely part of efforts by the monks to pressure the government.
Sri Lanka’s population is about 22 million, AP reported, with more than 70% of people Buddhist and the clergy holding influence in social, cultural and political life. The AP report also noted that minorities including Hindus, Muslims and Christians live in Sri Lanka.