The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka has requested IGP Pujith Jayasundara to take stern action against BBS General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera for making a violent statement against Muslims.

The council, in a letter, said the Buddhist monk had threatened to unleash violence against Muslims, as they did in Aluthgama, two years ago. 

“As you are aware, two years ago on the 15th of June 2014, Ven. Gnanasara Threo incited the people of Kalutara district to cause violence, death and destruction to the Muslims of Aluthgama and Beruwela. The rioting caused the death of two persons, destroyed house and property and inflicted damages to businesses worth billions of rupees. The repeated calls by the Muslim community for a commission of inquiry and punish the perpetrators have fallen on deaf ears. Two years on, Ven. Gnanasara Thero is proudly claiming that he will repeat Aluthgama in Mahiyanganaya,” N.M. Ameen, the Chairman of the Council, said in his letter.

MCSL called on the IGP to immediately initiate an inquiry against the threat and take necessary police action against the provocation to violence.

“We also once again call upon you, sir to conduct an inquiry against the Aluthgama riots against the Muslims and take necessary police action against the perpetrators. Ven. Gnanasara is proudly claiming responsibility for the violence in Aluthgama.. There is also ample video evidence to his provocation on the 15th of June 2014,” Ameen added in his letter.