Tensions ease as PM apologises
Tensions that prevailed near the Prime Minister’s office for nearly six hours finally ended amicably after Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne tendered a written apology for the state- ment he had made, criticising the Maha Sangha
The Premier tendered a written apology to the Bhikkhus of Sinhala Ravaya last evening who surrounded his office, calling for him to tender an apology to the monks for the
A clash erupted when the monks and the laity of the Sinhala Ravaya tried to storm inside the Prime Minister’s office and the police prevented them
statement he made in Gampola recently, criticising the Buddhist clergy and also demanding that he should resign from his post as Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs.
A clash erupted when the monks and the laity of the Sinhala Ravaya tried to storm inside the Prime Minister’s office and the police prevented them. A protestor, Venerable Polonnaruwe Seelawimana Thera sustained minor injuries when a policeman tried to prevent him from breaking down barriers near the entrance to PM’s office.
Sinhala Ravaya President Venerable Akmeemana Dayaratana Thera who was leading the monks then decided to perform a Sathyagraha, when a Coordinating Secretary to the Prime Minister offered to get a written assurance from him that he would tender an apology. The Secretary who went inside the office came back after little over an hour with a letter from the Premier who had said he was willing to have a dialogue with the monks. However the monks refused to accept this offer and insisted that Mr. Jayaratne tender an apology in writing and then make a public statement.
The coordinating officer then went back assuring that he would come back with an assurance that the Prime Minister would tender an apology. However the Monks tried to storm inside the office for the second time but police managed to prevent them without a clash.
The letter from the Prime Minister stated that he did not mean to disrespect the monks through his statement made in Gampola recently and said he expressed his regret if the statement offended the clergy. Various slogans were used in the protest calling Mr. Jayaratne to resign while various allegations were made against him.
Venerable Polonnaruwe Seelawimana Thera sustained minor injuries when a policeman tried to prevent him from breaking down barriers near the entrance to PM’s office