Sobhitha Thero warns Govt. over Fonseka

Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thero, a leading Sinhala nationalist Buddhist monk activist, said yesterday that he was ready to have rigorous imprisonment for life with hundred more monks if the government does not release the ex-Army Commander General (Retd.) Sarath Fonseka.

Sobhitha Thero is one of the highly respected Buddhist leaders of Sri Lanka and a very eloquent orator. He has not appeared with any major Bhikku movements of the country in the recent past.

“A hero who fought for the country and who made it possible for us to live in freedom today is suffering in jail while those like KP, Karuna and Pillayan who killed and maimed thousands are enjoying luxury,” the Ven. Sobhitha Thero said.

Political analysts consider his appearance in a press conference with National Bhikku Front, a radical movement of Buddhist monks led by Ven. Dambara Amila Thero, is significant.

Maduluwawe Thero defined the incarceration of ex-Army Commander as a vengeful act. He also pointed out that the government had released the convicts incarcerated under charges of murder and rape.

The National Bhikku Front press conference was held at Abhayaramaya Temple at Narahenpita, a temple where another respected Buddhist monk, Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero is the chief incumbent. (Colombo Page)