BBS on hunt for dissenting monk
A large number of Buddhist monks and laymen from the Bala Sena (BBS) stormed the building housing the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in search of a rival monk, police and ministry officials said a short while ago.
They said the group was hunting for the Ven. Watareka Vijitha Thera who held dissenting views regarding the simmering encroachment crisis in the Wilpattu Wild Life Park.
According to the ministry officials the monks had searched most of the rooms in the building except the Minister’s enclosure that was locked at the time.
Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen was not in the premises at the time of the incident.
The BBS has repeatedly alleged that Minister Baithuideen had backed the illegal settlement of Muslim families inside the Wilpattu Sanctuary. Minister Baithuideen has denied the charges.
The BBS has now aimed its ire at the Ven. Watareka Vijitha Thera whom they claim is a traitor owing to his support for Minister Baithuideen.
