Govt. won’t allow terror groups to disrupt Vesak: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has assured that the government will not allow any terror group to disrupt today's celebration of Vesak.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said adequate security would be provided to all temples today and tomorrow.

“Prime Minister has assured that the government will not allow any terror group to disrupt the celebration of Vesak and security has been provided to all temples following the advice of Mahanayaka Theras. Those who were engaged in violence 21 days after Easter Sunday were also trying to prevent the celebration of Vesak and their effort has been foiled. No extremist or opportunist will be allowed to disrupt the celebration of Vesak,” the statement said, quoting recent speeches made by the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Eksath Jathika Bikkhu Peramuna National Organiser - the Ven. Ambanpola Gnanaloka Thera - told a media conference that the Bodhi Puja which would be held at Temple Trees on May 19 would be opened to the public.

He said both the Prime Minister and his wife Maithri would participate in the Bodhi Puja. The Thera said the objective of the Bodi Puja will be to invoke blessings on the security forces that brought an end to the 30-year old war and for those who were killed in the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.

Asked how certain members of the UNP are making various statements about Sinhala Buddhists while others in the party are preparing to celebrate Vesak, the Thera said it was not good to keep talking about various statements as such an activity would create more problems.

“The country is facing enough issues currently and one must not create more issues commenting on various statements,” the Thera said. (Yohan Perera)