OPP. LEADER CONCERNED OVER RECENT MONK DEATHS

by Zulfick Farzan 05-01-2021 | 1:49 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday (05) questioned the Minister of Public Security on what measures have been taken to address the mysterious deaths of monks reported in the country.

'I am not referring to just one incident, as there have been a series of incidents of such nature,' said the Opposition Leader.

Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (Dr.) Sarath Weerasekera said the government is determined to protect the Sambuddha Sasana and the general public and requested the opposition leader to pose the questions separately.

The Minister is expected to make a statement to Parliament on Wednesday (06) morning, as per a request made by Sajith Premadasa.

The Opposition Leader made the observations in Parliament in a backdrop where the remains of a monastic monk were discovered from the Kotadeniyawa Nawana Public Cemetery.

The remains were identified as that of the late Ven. Uduwila Dhammasiri Thero (65), a resident of the Hanwella Thummodara Kodikanda Aranya Senasana, who was reportedly abducted on the 02nd of January.

Sri Lanka Police said 03 males and 01 female were arrested over the incident.

Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana speaking to reporters said remains of the late thero were moved to the Negombo hospital morgue for the autopsy to be carried out.

He said the remains were identified by two other monks who were residing at the Hanwella Thummodara Kodikanda Aranya Senasana.