Controversial statements on Buddhist monks PM calls for Ranjan’s explanation before July 20

By Yohan Perera   

 Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a letter addressed to State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake had called for an explanation from him on the controversial statements he had made on Buddhist monks, before July 20, 2019.   

Prime Minister had also mentioned in his letter that neither he nor the UNP endorse the remarks made by Mr. Ramanayake.   

 “ My family and I have always associated with leading temples in the country such as Gangaramaya and Kelani Raja Maha Vihara. We have also assisted the monks in numerous ways. Therefore, I cannot endorse what you have mentioned regarding the monks” he said.   

 “ I would like you to send in an explanation on your statement before July 20 this year” Mr Wickremesinghe said in his letter to the state Minister.   

 The media reported that the state minister had made a statement saying 90 percent of the monks who shout for blood are ones who have been abused by the Chief monks of the temples they reside in.   

 Mr Ramanayake when contacted by Daily Mirror said there are only a handful of monks who shout for blood and that 90 percent of these monks are abused by the Chief monks. “ Therefore what I meant was that handful of monks are being abused by the Chief monks” he said.