BBS Furious on Rajitha’s Statement

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (18), Minister Rajitha Senarathne said that the Gnanasaras of the BBS determined the Halal issue during the previous regime, but now it is done by the Muslims.
In response Rajitha Senaratne’s statement was condemned by the Founding Executive Member of BBS, Dr. Dilanthe Withanage.

He denied saying thus ‘’We never determined anything regarding Halal and neither were we against it. This gives the wrong impression that the Buddhist monks of the country are against Halal. Actually, 99% of the Buddhist monks of the country are not against Halal, the Islam practice, but the Halal certificate, the tax.”

“Halal certificate is an unreasonable tax thrust upon the general public. In the other countries, the Halal certificate is issued for meat. But here in Sri Lanka, even the tooth brush and spices are forced to be Halal certified,” he said.
Dr. Withanage stated that BBS insists that the government reveal the manner in which the tax money paid for the Halal certificate is utilized by ACJU, before it paves the way for a national problem.