Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero has made a controversial statement alleging that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya is an operative of Indian intelligence and that the current administration is executing India's political agenda in Sri Lanka. The monk made these remarks while speaking to the media during an ongoing satyagraha protest in Anuradhapura, staged alongside a group of monks against government decisions regarding development projects in the sacred city of Anuradhapura.

Asserting that the Prime Minister, representing the National People's Power (NPP) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), is working to fulfill India's political objectives, the monk also criticized her personal life, questioning how a woman with no family or children could look towards the future of the country.

Key points

  • Ven. Kassapa Thero alleges the Prime Minister is an Indian intelligence operative.
  • President Anura Kumara Dissanayake labeled a pro-Indian puppet ruler.
  • Remarks made during a satyagraha protest against decisions on Anuradhapura development projects.
  • Monk states readiness to sacrifice life or go to prison against Indian encroachment.

Allegations against the government and the gazette notification

Describing current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as a pro-Indian puppet ruler, Ven. Kassapa Thero alleged that a scheme is underway to pillage the country's cultural heritage at the behest of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also stated that he is prepared to explain word-for-word the cultural harm contained in the gazette notification issued concerning the Anuradhapura sacred city.

He remarked that a good future cannot be expected from rulers who breakfast in Sri Lanka and dine in Delhi, and called upon all Buddhist monks and nuns to unite if any harm is being done to Anuradhapura.

Open challenge and future course of action

The monk challenged any opposing party to engage in an open debate in front of the Ruwanwelisaya and the Sri Maha Bodhi. He stressed that just as Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero once pulled down the British flag and hoisted the Sinhala flag, he is prepared today to cast down the Indian flag and raise the Sinhala flag.

Stating that he is ready to make the ultimate sacrifice or face imprisonment against an Indian encroachment, Ven. Kassapa Thero added that no one can stop this struggle and that it will conclude only in victory.

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