The Venerable Sobitha Thero, the “revolutionary" father of Sri Lanka’s democracy, is dead
Colombo (AsiaNews) – The Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero died on Monday (8 November) at a hospital in Singapore. He was 73.
For many of his fellow Sri Lankans, the Buddhist monk was a "revolutionary", a frontline combatant against Rajapaksa’s autocratic regime and Sri Lanka’s rampant corruption.
With his passing, the country loses one of its most important religious leaders, a man actively involved in developing the nation and building a democratic society.
The Sri Lankan government has said that it will honour him with a state funeral and declared Thursday as a day of national mourning.
Various Sri Lankan religious leaders, activists and figures have sent messages of condolences, stressing the important role the monk played. His death leaves a great void that cannot be filled.
Venerable Sobitha Thero had enthusiastically backed political change and greater democracy, which culminated in January with the election of President Sirisena.
He was one of the few who denounced the growing authoritarianism of former President Rajapaksa, who brooked no dissent after the Civil War.
He also encouraged good governance practices and a harmonious, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
"He was a religious leader for everyone, caring and generous,” said Card Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo.
"He worked tirelessly for a society based on justice and truth,” said Rev Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Anglican bishop of Colombo. “The greatest honour we can pay him is to continue his fight and ensure that values such as honesty, transparency and justice are strengthened in the public life of this country."
Dr Nimalka Fernando, Christian activist, also spoke to AsiaNews about his death. "The disappearance of Venerable Sobitha Thero is a great loss, especially now that Sri Lanka has embarked on a new political path".
Remembering their first meeting in the 1970s during a nurses’ strike, she noted that “He was a formidable force to reckon with, which everyone recognised. He never failed to meet the challenges of the moment and work for the inclusion of the neediest. He condemned all forms of discrimination and religious extremism."
Tamil prisoners currently protesting against their detention regime are also mourning the passing of a monk who had expressed support for their release.
For Dr Jehan Perera, a Christian activist, “The mantle of leadership must now pass to someone else who must continue Venerable Sobitha’s legacy.”
“His life as a Sri Lankan leader has come to an end,” he added. “He never sought anything for himself other than his people’s well-being irrespective of race or religion. He used to say that he sought the light of truth, a righteous life, overturning mistakes and a free country.”
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15/05/2008
