VIDEO: Bodu Bala Sena ends ‘Watareka drama’

General Secretary of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organisation Ven. Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara Thero today stated that they have decided to end the “Watareka drama,” referring to the hardline Buddhist group’s continues verbal attacks and intimidation of Ven. Watareka Vijitha Thero. 

The Bodu Bala Sena organisation’s clash with Vijitha Thero had ignited when the group led by Gnanasara Thero had stormed a recent press conference organised by the Mahiyangana UPFA Pradeshiya Sabha Member and harassed him.

Venerable Watareka Vijitha Thero, who is the Chief Incumbent of the Rotalawela Mahaweli Maha Viharaya in Mahiyanganaya, had lodges a complaint against BBS and Gnanasara Thero, further provoking conflict. 

Addressing a press briefing today, Gnanasara Thero stated that even the late Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thero had spoken about Watareka Thero in Mahiyanganaya and that the Mahanayake Theros have pointed out his conduct.

The provincial Sangha council has decided to expel Watareka Vijitha Thero from the Bhikkhu community, he claimed.

A mob led by BBS yesterday stormed Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce alleging that the Jathika Bala Sena (JBS) leader, Watareka Vijitha Thero was in hiding inside the building.

Gnanasara Thero alleged that Vijitha Thero was definitely inside the building, despite assurances that he was not there, and said as Buddhist monks they do not speak lies. He stated that they have no anger against the actions of Vijitha Thero only regret. 

The BBS General Secretary said he urges Ministers such as Bathiudeen to refrain from using the saffron robe the cover up their nakedness while adding, that the monk’s robes are “Haram” for Muslim Ministers. 

Meanwhile Watareka Vijitha Thero, speaking to Ada Derana, stated that the extremist Bodu bala Sena organisation has brought disrespect to the Buddha Sasana and Sinhalese people. 

The Thero said he has informed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and President of the death threats he has received and requested for security. 

Watareka Vijitha Thero alleged that the “terrorist Bodu Bala Sena” had made several attempt to kill him as he is a threat to them and further claimed that the Buddhist group had even threatened to cut him to pieces and throw him into a river.