Ranil wants explanation from Ranjan

• Wickremesinghe sends letter to Ramanayake rejecting latter’s comments during social media interview 
• Says what he said about Maha Sangha is in conflict with party views

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday sought a written explanation before 21 July from Highways and Road Development State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake over statements he had made against Buddhist monks on social media. 

Wickremesinghe, releasing a letter, told Ramanayake to submit a written explanation on his statements to the Prime Minister. The letter also insisted that the comments made by Ramanayake were in conflict with the views held by the United National Party (UNP), of which the State Minister is a member. 

The letter also reminded Ramanayake that Wickremesinghe together with his family had close relationship with temples and the priests that belong to them. He was reminded that these relationships, especially with the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya and Gangaramaya Temple, were of long duration and that much service has been rendered to the country and its population by the Maha Sanga.    

“Under these circumstances I reject the statements you have made, both as the Prime Minister and the leader of the United National Party,” the letter signed by Wickremesinghe said.      

Ramanayake had recently made defamatory remarks regarding Bhikkhus, alleging that young priests were being abused at temples.