The politicization process of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka

The politicization process of Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka intensified after the mid-twentieth century with the rise of ethno-nationalism in the majority Sinhala community in the postcolonial context. Based on doctrinal and historical arguments and on sociological transformations, it fed on the feelings of insecurity resulting from the Tamil insurgency. It gave birth to an autonomous religious party but was mainly instrumentalized by the leading political parties relying on monastic influence to get votes.