Names of those who threatened Mahnayake will be revealed: Ranil

(February 19, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The names of those who threatened the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwathu Chapter will be revealed to the nation, says Ranil Wickremasinghe, leader of the United National Party.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo today, Mr. Wickremasinghe said that the Prelate had been threatened that about 500 temples that belonged to the Malwathu Vihara would be added to the Rohana Sect.

“Certain members of the clergy who met the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter on Monday and Tuesday have threatened to add around 500 viharas that belong to the Malwathu Vihara to the Rohana Sect.

“That is a violation of the country's Constitution. The Sangha has the right to express any view pertaining to the Sathyagraha. However, it is against the Constitution to threaten the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter in this manner. Especially in light of the state-sponsored threat where it was stated that all viharas that belong to the Malwathu Chapter will be removed and added on to another section.

It is also against the Buddhist tradition. We want to know tho these members of the clergy are? What are their names? We will find out and it will be revealed to the country,” said Mr. Wickremasinghe.