Sobitha: The Real Architect Of The January 8th Revolution

By Sisira Jayamaha –February 7, 2016

Sisira Jayamaha

During the early years, late Rev. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero was best known as at most venerated prelate, uniquely eloquent in Dhamma discourses most appealing to the learned as well as not so learned audiences all over the island. Despite the resounding admiration and appreciation received, he never ever exploited them either to gain cheap popularity or fame and never ever for any personal benefits. It is possible that Rev. Sobhita Thero might have believed that most of the people remain poor undergo oppression or suffering mainly due to their ignorance of the Dhamma. Hence might have dedicated him to traverse the length and breadth of the country to guide them in the Dhamma leading them to acquire a better quality of life. However, Rev. Sobitha Thero , being a visionary, may have ultimately realized, particularly after the constitutional changes in 1978, that, despite the people’s adherence to righteous conduct, they are unable to improve their quality of life mostly due to the rulers who take turns to deceive the public. Hence, he ventured to directly request the politicians to adopt a more humanitarian attitude in their treatment of the public and to provide a just and equitable system of governance to provide the much needed relief to the poor masses of the country. For this purpose Rev. Sobitha Thero utilized every opportunity including public meetings, discussions, and through print and electronic media, to appeal to the politicians irrespective of party differences, to adopt such an approach. When his appeals were not adequately responded, Rev. Sobitha Thero commenced a stronger campaign to insist on a change of the attitude of the politicians; he was subjected to explicit and implicit obstructions, censorships, blockades and many types of harassments.

Once such direct and indirect obstacles, intimidations were aimed at him Rev. Sobitha Thero who became more determined on his mission, witnessed an unprecedented support from the general public irrespective of racial, religious or regional differences, spearheaded by many a civil society, university academic, and such other sympathetic activists. This was evident during the 17 year period commencing from 1978, when he led on behalf of the innocent and helpless masses, a number of forceful demonstrations against many social discriminations perpetrated on the poor masses. Rev. Sobitha Thero headed and personally led these movements quite sincerely for the sake of helpless masses but never with a slightest inclination to enter politics. There were many instances when the then rulers enraged by his movement subjected him and his supporters to many a cruel and inhuman treatments among which harassments at Abhayaramaya in 1986, at the Bodhiya in Pettah in 1987, and at the assassination of Lalith Athulathmudali in 1993 to name just a few. The clear display of fearless leadership, inspiration and guidance combined with and his uniquely effective eloquence clearly indicative of his undisputed potential to be a forerunner in the establishment of a future national level leadership. During the latter phase of the 17 year period, when many a lapse, including the deterioration of inter-racial relationships, and the emergence of a military environment, our Thero emphasized the urgent need for a national reconciliation process and effectively participated in the effort to end the 17 year rule. The action by Hon.Chandrika Bandaranaike’s to identify Naga Viharaya to make her first visit after assuming duties as the Prime Minister was a clear indication of her recognition of the significance of Rev. Sobitha Thero’s contribution to the political change.

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