President Maithripala Sirisena said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had already embarked upon disciplinary action on State Minister Ranjan Ramanayaka over the latter's controversial remarks on Buddhist monks.

Addressing a public event in Pelenda, President Sirisena said yesterday that the Prime Minister had directed Ramanayake to "show cause" before July 21.

Sirisena said action should be taken on anyone who insults Buddhism and Buddhist monks irrespective of his or her position.

The President also added that during his tenure no one was harassed for criticising his conduct. "Five Presidents ruled this country before me and all of them faced allegations of torture and harassment. I managed to stay away from such allegations because my principles are based on Buddhism, " he said.

The President also added that he had discussions with the Singapore Prime Minister to ensure the extradition of former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, the first suspect in the Treasury bonds case.