President Maithripala Sirisena's nominee for the post of Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka said the statement made by Vendaruwe Upali Thera on former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was "the most dangerous public statement" ever made in Sri Lanka. 

Upali Thera, an Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter said, advised former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to establish a military rule 'like Hitler'.  The Thera made this remark while speaking at a religious ceremony to mark the birthday of the former Defence Secretary. 

"What I have to say is that you must take lead in building this country up. Launch into a military rule like Hitler and revive this country," the monk said.

The monk's remarks came under severe criticism on social media yesterday as many opined that it was an open invitation for a violent rule. 

Among them was Dr, Dayan Jayatilleka, previously a prominent figure in the pro-Rajapaksa 'Viyath Maga' movement, who switched allegiance after President Sirisena offered him a diplomatic posting. 

"I can't think of a more dangerous statement ever made in public in Sri Lanka!," Dr.Jayatilleka said this morning, in a Facebook post.