President Maithripala Sirisena today raised concerns about the new generation of Bhikkhus, saying that the lay society was having serious doubts about some of them.

Speaking at the event to mark the 100th birthday of Amarapura Nikaya Chief Prelate Davuldena Gnanissara Thera, Sirisena said that the lay society follows the guidance of distinguished religious leaders such as Gnanissara Thera.

However, recent developments indicate that some new Bhikkhus do not follow the guidance of learned senior monks, Sirisena argued.

The President's comments come days after he lashed out at the organisers of 'Enrique Iglesias Live in Colombo' concert, saying that they should be whipped for organising an uncivilized concert. He later responded to criticism leveled at him by saying that he was trying to protect local values and customs. The President stressed that no amount of criticism will change his stance.