The Empy Robe - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

A bus moves along a rural road. In the section reserved for monks, a young man sits quietly, clutching an old bag and a long umbrella. His closely cropped hair hints at his past, but his tear-filled eyes reveal inner turmoil. As the bus ...See moreA bus moves along a rural road. In the section reserved for monks, a young man sits quietly, clutching an old bag and a long umbrella. His closely cropped hair hints at his past, but his tear-filled eyes reveal inner turmoil. As the bus stops, he steps off and crosses the road-only to be struck by an oncoming vehicle. At the village temple, chaos erupts. Devotees angrily confront the chief monk, condemning the young man for leaving the monastic life without permission. Rumors swirl about a woman's influence, and the villagers refuse to allow his body to return to the temple or receive Buddhist funeral rites. In a small funeral house, his elderly mother sits alone beside his lifeless body, now dressed in civilian clothes. A faded photograph of him in saffron robes rests beside him. The silence around her deepens her grief. Later, she arrives at the temple, trembling as she hands the chief monk the deed to her home. She recalls her son's promise to care for her when she was in the cancer hospital, even if it meant leaving his robes behind. Holding back tears, she declares that while her son was a monk, he survived on alms from the so-called Buddhists of this village. Now, as repayment for every grain of food they once gave him, she is giving the deed to her only house to the temple. A funeral is held at her home, with monks chanting pirith and performing last rites. Outside, a banner hangs, marking her passing-an end to a life steeped in sorrow. Written by Induwara Sooriyabandara See less