BIA arrest of monks: President convenes urgent meeting

Colombo, April 28 (Daily Mirror) - A high-level discussion was held this afternoon (28) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on the recent arrest of a group of Buddhist monks at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) over the possession of narcotics and the developments that followed.

The meeting was attended by members of the Maha Sangha representing the country’s three main Nikayas, along with senior officials, including the Inspector General of Police, who briefed those present on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the progress of ongoing investigations.

Addressing the gathering, the President stated that the incident highlights the extent to which the drug menace has escalated into a national crisis. He stressed the urgent need for all sectors of society to unite with the Government’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related activities.

The President further assured that, amid the country’s broader economic and social transformation, the Government would prioritise the protection of the Buddhasasana and the preservation of its associated values.

The Maha Nayake Theras, who have already issued a statement on the matter, urged both the Government and the public to treat it as the collective stance of the entire Sangha community. They also emphasised that safeguarding the integrity of the Sangha requires not only internal efforts but also strong support from the State, particularly in light of emerging challenges.