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Ranjan says he owes apology only to pious monks
For actor-turned-politician Ranjan Ramanayake, the enemy seems his own utterances than others.
The 56-year-old deputy minister, who acquired the sobriquet “One shot”, for his role in the film by the name, fires like an automatic rifle from his mouth. When there is fallout, he also becomes the first to retract.
His latest encounter shook the Buddhist clergy in no small measure. He was interviewed by a social media website and let off a volley of words against the Buddhist clergy. The video posted on the internet makes clear that he did make some disparaging remarks.
Amidst mounting protests, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called for his explanation. He directed him to go before Mahanayakes and apologise. He did this on Friday only to be out of the doors to face the television cameras.
There again, repeated himself. In Kandy, Mr. Ramanayake told the media he would respect the monks and would worship the Mahanayakes but would beg pardon only from the respected and pious monks.
This is not the first time that Mr. Ramanayake has shot his mouth off. He had earlier made comments regarding MPs using drugs. He had also criticised the judiciary.
One such case was filed against Mr. Ramanayake over a statement he made on a panel of judges appointed to examine the petitions against the dissolution of parliament. The matter is to be taken up before the Supreme Court later this month.