Mahanayake Theros condemn violent attacks on peaceful protestors

• Says brutal attack is a blow to democracy and humanity at large
• Opines political leadership who instigates violence are ineligible to remain as public representatives any longer
• Calls on Sri Lanka Police and other law enforcement agencies to hold everyone accountable for greedy and abusive political agendas
• Points to aftermath attacks were repercussions of ignoring repeated requests made by the Maha Sangha, other religious leaders
• Requests political leaders to take cautious and intelligent decisions to address the urgent needs of the public

The Mahanayake Theros of the Malwatu, Asgiriya, Ramanna and Amarapura Nikayas yesterday issued a joint statement strongly condemning the violent attacks on peaceful protestors in Colombo 

yesterday.

Noting that the brutal attack on peaceful protestors is a blow to democracy and humanity at large, the Mahanayake Theros called for an impartial investigation into political leadership and everyone linked to brutal violence against innocent people. The Mahanayake Theros pointed out that political leaders who instigate such violence are ineligible to remain as public representatives any longer.

“Public representatives are bound to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens under the Constitution. We call on Sri Lanka Police and other law enforcement agencies to hold everyone accountable for greedy and abusive political agendas,” they stressed.

They also highlighted that the aftermath of the attacks were repercussions of not heeding to the repeated requests made by the Maha Sangha, other religious leaders and parties of the country. The Mahanayake Theros who make up the main Buddhist Sects in the country requested political leaders to take cautious and intelligent decisions to address the urgent needs of the public.