Rathana Thera's demands must be met in order to ensure peoples' security, Chief Prelates tell PM

The demands of Ven Athuraliye Rathana Thera who is on a hunger strike, must be fulfilled in order to ensure the security and well being of the people, two Chief Prelates said in a letter to the Prime Minister today (June 03).

In a letter to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwatha chapters said that the government must fulfill Rathana Thera's demands since uncertainty and tense situations have arisen across the country.

"We request that these demands be met to restore the prestige and the security of the land for the security and well being of the people," the letter noted adding that this issue must be resolved before the Thera's health condition deteriorates.

Further, the Chief Prelates said that they have written this letter since their verbal demands have not been fulfilled by the government.

"The government must bear entire responsibility if tensions escalate in the country as a result of the failure to act in this regard," the Chief Monks of the two Chapters said.

They also requested that swift investigations must be carried out and subsequent action must be taken against the perpetrators of extremist acts.

Ven Galagama Sri Aththadassi Thero, and Ven Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thero - the Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwathu chapters respectively, had signed the letter.