Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee, headed by Minister Thilak Marapana, to investigate claims by State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake on sexual abuse in Buddhist temples.

Ministers Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Malik Samarawickrama are the other members of the committee. '

The Prime Minister sent a letter to Ramanayaka two weeks ago instructing him to "show cause" or face disciplinary action.

Speaking to an online talk show, Ramanayake said minors are subjected to sexual abuse at many Buddhist temples.

Ramanayake's claims set off a firestorm of criticism in many circles.