I didn't influence Embilipitiya widow: Ven. Omalpe Thera

5 February 2016 05:57 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Rejecting allegations that Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera influenced the widow of Embilipitiya man, who died in a fall, by giving her money, the Thera said he only tried to help the woman after a donor from England offered to donate money to the victim’s family.

Ven. Sobitha Thera said a donor, Udaya Peiris, who lives in England, had asked the thera over the phone whether he could help the Embilipitiya victim’s family after which the thera mediated to help them.

“Udaya Peiris, a donor known to me, asked me if I could help him to get a cash donation sent over to the widow, considering her situation. When I offered to do so he gave me Rs. 45,000 to be given to her. Then I asked a social worker and a journalist, Chandima Kodituwakku, to find out whether the widow of the man who was killed in Embilipitiya needed the donation and if so to make arrangements to hand it over to her. After contacting the woman, Ms. Kodituwakku told me the victim was in a position to receive the donation. But we could not offer it to her until February 3 as the donor, Mr. Peiris, was not in a position to travel to Embilipitiya to make the donation and it got delayed,” the thera said.

The thera said he was surprised to hear a lawyer on February 3 say that I offered money to the woman and influenced her not to act against the police as what i just explained is what really took place.

Ven. Sobitha Thera told a news conference he did not know on what grounds such an allegation was made and he did not try to influence the victimised woman not to act against the police. The thera said he was engaged in charity throughout the country and that was not the first incident of such a nature.

Ven. Sobitha Thera requested the police chief to conduct an investigation into the incident and reveal the truth to the country. (Ajith Siriwardana)

Video by Richan

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Comments - 8

Wesko Friday, 05 February 2016 06:44 PM

Dear Sabitha Thera ,the people know that your hands are clean and your charity program.

gayan Friday, 05 February 2016 07:03 PM

He is trying to bury this case.

Upul Friday, 05 February 2016 07:13 PM

Why is this Venerable monk trying to be so defensive, bringing up all the other activities they do into this simple accusation. The widow of that person, who was murdered in Embilipitiya, spoke to the media indicating that a business woman in that area was trying to bribe her to drop all the charges she has made against the ASP. There is something fishy going on here. My instincts tell me that the widow is telling the truth. Anyway an IMPARTIAL inquiry will reveal the truth.

America1 Friday, 05 February 2016 07:54 PM

Dear Sobitha Thera, thank you for the explanation even though it is not necessary. Many of us know how much you have supported the society to make it better. We are saddened that you and another valued member of the society have become victims of this case which has become a vicious political circus to promote selfish propagandas of few lawyers. I hope that the woman gets justice she deserves but she also gets her common sense back. Hope she soon understands that she is being used by those lawyers who likes to promote themselves.

Nandapala Mama Friday, 05 February 2016 08:02 PM

Ven. Sobhitha Thero may b telling the truth. But the messenger; the journalist in question is the one who contacted the widow. It is obvious, if Ven. Thero is correct, the messenger has attempted to silence the widow. We all believe, the widow is telling the truth and any case Rs.45,000 is not a huge sum of money. what a sad situation.

Nihal Amarasekera Saturday, 06 February 2016 08:14 AM

This is a funny world. Fishing in troubled and bloodied water is the name of the game.

Kiris Baba Amaray Saturday, 06 February 2016 08:23 AM

He told the truth anyway. Very rare you come across honest clergy like him.

Nilhan Jayawardene. Sunday, 07 February 2016 02:20 PM

This woman should be compensated adequately for the suffering she had to undergo. It looks like senior lawyer appearing on behalf of her trying to bring in politics in to this case. Whole country knows he is a M/R stooge.

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I didn't influence Embilipitiya widow: Ven. Omalpe Thera

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