“There were some hopes during the CFA. But our armed forces and police members were humiliated by the LTTE because there were major flaws in CFA. The CFA was not properly planned, I was very saddened when I saw the members of our security forces being humiliated by LTTE armed groups even in Batticaloa town.”(August 04, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka Guardian) Batticaloa police tried to assassinate me – M.P Jayalath Jayawardana witnesses this drama says in an Exclusive Interview with Chief Monk for Batticaloa and Amaparei, Rev. Ampitiye Sumanaratana of Sri Mangalaramaya
by Udara Soysa and Nilantha Illangamuwa from Batticaloa
Sri Lanka Guardian :- What do you think of the current political developments in the East?
Rev. Ampitiye Sumanaratana :- What I would say is that any arm carrying group can not be trusted. All armed groups including LTTE and TMVP operates in the East being a problem for peaceful environment. Until we disarm all these groups, the situation in East would remain to be very pathetic.
Sri Lanka Guardian:- But if they are disarmed, they would be hunted by LTTE pistol groups. How do we prevent this?
Rev. Ampitiye Sumanaratana :- This is pathetic argument. Do you think our security forces members are powerless to prevent LTTE threats. I don't think so. Security forces members should be able to handle any security problems. For an example, is it fine for me to carry a gun just because I have life threats?
Sri Lanka Guardian: What do you think of chief minister in the East?
Rev. Ampitiye Sumanaratana :- I can not trust anybody carrying arms. We know how 'democratically' they conducted the last election. Last election in the East was a joke.
Sri Lanka Guardian:- What happened during CFA?
Rev. Ampitiye Sumanaratana:- There were some hopes during the CFA. But our armed forces and police members were humiliated by the LTTE because there were major flaws in CFA. The CFA was not properly planned, I was very saddened when I saw the members of our security forces being humiliated by LTTE armed groups even in Batticaloa town.
Sri Lanka Guardian :- Do you currently have any threats to your life?
Rev. Ampitiye Sumanaratana:- Of course I do. In one hand, Rev. Ellawala Medannada Thero had labeled me an LTTE agent and put a false police case against me. I know where I stand and I do not support any group. Rev. Ellawala Medannada Thero labeled me as an LTTE agent just because I was requesting the money that needs to be collected to renovate this temple. This is the main temple for Batticaloa area for Sinhalese Buddhist and I do not see it a crime to renovate this place. But Rev. Ellawala Medannada Thero is against any renovation to this place. When our talk turned heated, he accused me and threatened me.
Sri Lanka Guardian: - Are you happy about the police protection?
Rev. Ampitiye Sumanaratana :- Several police officers tried to assassinate me even while iM.P Jayalath Jayawardana was staying over at the temple. Luckily for me, the home guard who lives with me for protection was able to protect me. I put an entry into police station but no action was taken by anybody. This is the sad reality. Even tomorrow I can be killed by the evil forces. I am ready for it.
- Sri Lanka Guardian
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