Responding to a journalist at yesterday’s weekly news briefing,Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister, Rajitha Senaratne said a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena leader Galagodatte Gnanasara Thera and CID detectives have been deployed to take him into custody over allegations of inciting religious and racial hatred. Minister acknowledged that it would be possible that he was being protected by a powerful minister. That is why the police have been unable to arrest him. Sri Lanka is not such a big country nor were there so many hiding places for him to hide. When Journalists questioned him why only Gnanasara Thera? Why don’t the police arrest Tamil and Muslim racists? Minister in reply said that he has been directed to appear in Court to answer allegations made against him by the Police. He is using degrading low level language insulting and called Muslims as Thambiyas and Marakkalayas.
He has also allegedly attempted to incite people against other ethnic groups. The Muslim and Tamil politicians have not done any such offences . They have demanded their rights. Talking about your rights or making a statement to that effect will not create divisions among people.
Journalist: Mosques have been attacked even after Gnanasara Thera has gone under ground. That means he is not responsible for the attacks. Minister:said yes it is true. But anyone who wants to prove his innocence can attack a mosque.
