Hela Urumaya

We, the devotees of Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara, the temple established by Ven Gangodawila Soma in Victoria, Australia, believe it is our duty to pursue the efforts of Venerable Soma Thero. Venerable Gangodawila Soma was one person who came forward selflessly without fearing threat to his own life, to lay the foundations to safe guard our Country, our Nation and our Religion from the abyss it is falling into because of corruption, blatant commercialism, undesirable effects of globalisation and conversions by bankrupt and crooked religious sects of the Western world. It is common knowledge that Ven Soma was subject to many death threats, political harassment and vilification.

Venerable Soma’s vision was to introduce the principles of the Five Precepts (Pancha Seela prathipadawa) for the lay community and the Principles of Dasa Raja Dharma for the government. The service that Venerable Soma has rendered to achieve these goals is acknowledged by the millions of grieving devotees. He was able to reach the very hearts of the populace, especially the youth and to plant the seed of hope of a better lifestyle through good governance in their minds. Venerable Soma was able to preach the Dhamma as taught by Lord Buddha without watering down the teaching to gain cheap popularity.

He was not afraid to criticize where necessary whether it was a powerful politician, a business magnate, another religious practice or even a transgressing Buddhist monk. He openly disparaged unethical conversions, heretical beliefs and practices, destruction of historical monuments and Buddhist artifacts, widespread and government promoted alcoholism and gambling, abortions, regimented contraception, increasing drug abuse and many similar unethical activities which are detrimental to society. This created for him powerful enemies in many quarters.

Venerable Soma clearly showed that it was possible to achieve happiness and contentment, even riches without clinging to materialistic objects and praying to external forces, through the practice of Pancha Seela prathipada, which would in turn bring about a harmonious and prosperous society. There are many examples all over the world today to prove the truth of Venerable Soma’s words.

We believe that the millions of devotees in Sri Lanka who also believe in the power of the Pancha Seela will join with us in force to carry forth Venerable Soma’s message and to make his vision a reality.

It is now more than two months since Venerable Gangodawila Soma passed away. The promised presidential commission to inquire into the circumstances of his death is yet to be established. Devotees of Ven Soma not only in Sri Lanka, but also in Australia and all over the world have awaited this inquiry but have been denied the opportunity to overcome their suspicions and get beyond the grieving process. So far, both the President of Sri Lanka and the government have been silent on this issue.

It is now high time for the President of Sri Lanka to keep her promise made to the millions who followed Soma Thero in life and in death. A critical time of evaluation is now before these devotees. It is up to the President to establish the inquiry into the death of this popular prelate. However, whether this happens or not, we shall carry his vision through.

May all beings be well and happy!

Buddhist Vihara Victoria

125 Homestead Road

Berwick