A firebrand Buddhist monk who branded the government a pack of animals running the country has expressed fears an open season has now been declared on him.
A 250-strong army contingent that has been offering protection to his historic temple in Mihintale has been withdrawn and he now fears an assasin’s bullet awaits him.
Dhammarathana Thero the head monk of the historic temple said last week he could be killed for criticising the government when sacked Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe paid him a visit.
“They (politicians) cling on to positions like bats, monkeys and leeches. They can kill us for talking like this. These political parties who are in Parliament have no right to seek the people’s votes. They are all animals running the country under different names”, he said
But Deputy Defence Minister Praneeth Bandara Tennekoon denied in Parliament there was a plot to assasinate the monk.
“We withdrew the troops from the temple premises as he (Dhammarathana Thero) claimed they posed a risk to his life”, said Tennekoon.
But Dhammarathana Thero said he only objected to the presence of two strangers who he feared were gathering intelligence and keeping him under survelliance for a potential strike.
“I did not undermine the presence of the regular army personnel, I only questioned the presence of two questionable characters who were putting my life at risk.
“The government has withdrawn the army as a personal vendetta against me and I will face the situation,” said Dhammarathana Thero who initially fell foul with the government for disconnecting the supply of electricity to his temple over alleged non payment of bills.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the government of practicing hypocrisy and going against the Constitution that declares special protection for Buddhism.
