📈 Opinion: Defence of Buddhist Clergy Amid Recent Media Criticism

• Context: Author T. Perera responds to recent derogatory publications—specifically referencing Sarath De Alwis's article "Buddy Racketeers"—arguing there is a concerted effort to belittle Buddhist concepts and the Maha Sangha in Sri Lanka. • Key Arguments: - Acknowledges that while a small minority of monks have been linked to ethnic tensions, the vast majority remain peace-loving, law-abiding, and promote social harmony. - Highlights the vital social role played by the clergy during national calamities, including providing shelter, relief, and assistance during pandemics, floods, landslides, and civil unrest regardless of ethnicity. - Notes that extremist elements exist across all communities but are rarely targeted with similar broad sweeps of negative commentary. • Call to Action: Emphasizes the need to refrain from anti-Buddhist sentiments and focus on national unity and economic prosperity for all citizens. _Note: Summary based on published opinion response._