Sarath Manual Wickrama
“We do not want a throne or a crown we only want the basics for our life,” say the descendants of Bodhigupta generation.
They say that had all the possessions and facilities for a reasonable living which they inherited. But all were lost during the British rule as they established Courts, and other Administration bodies around Sri Maha Bodhi. “We descend from Bodhigupta generation. As per the wishes of Mihindu there we did not mingle with other descendants. We had a sacred duty of protecting sacred Bo trees. In order to avoid harm which could cause by British to our women we left our homes and lived in jungle,” they said.
As the descendants of Bodhigupta generation claim what is called “wiharagam” (lands belong to temples) were their lands.
Niluka Ariyadasa a social worker who lives in Halmillakulama in Anuradhapura District belongs to Bodhigupta generation. The sacred bo tree which her community protects has eight thousand families which live in nine lands which belong to the temple which are known as Viharagam.
These villaged are Wihara Kallanchiya, Wihara Bulankulama, Wihara Hammillakulama, Wihara Thirappane, Wihara Palugama, Wihara Medawachchiya, Susiyankulama, Kappetiyawa and Iluppukulama.
Their residents are in a continuous struggle with the government for title deeds. Gonagala Gnanaloka there who is supporting these residents state that not having a title deed has caused many issues. For instance in day to day occasions like taking bank loans, school admission, house construction etc.
The Human Rights Commission gave a verdict requesting to grant lands to these residents under Bimsaviya program of the government.
.However irrespective of the decision given it was found that a set of Government officials attempt not to adhere by the order. This issue was taken up to the committee level. The decisions of these were not revealed.
.In order to know the outcomes of these, the villagers filed an RTI application. For the first time, they were able to get details about their lands in writing. As a result, the officials were given an order to provide land under Bimsaviya program. When the officials failed to adhere by that order the villagers continuously filed RTI applications to Commissioner of Buddhist affairs, District Secretary of Anuradhapura District Secretariat.
Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs has telephoned the villagers and has inquired about the situation. Few rounds of discussions were held under the guidance of District Secretary.
To stand up against malpractices conducted by the Officials an Organization named “urumaya surekeeme sanvidhanaya” (Organization to protect heritage). This organization too got involved in filing RTI applications.
As a result, it was revealed that none of the lands belonging to the religious places as stated by the officials. Accordingly, Divisional Secretariat has promised to provide the villagers with lands under “Bimsaviya” program.
Secretary of the Organization to protect heritage P.Piyasiri said “if any of the lands belonged to temples we have no objection in taking them back. But these are not. We are deprived of basic facilities which other people have,” he said.
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