Despite a clear cut directive being by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena that the General – Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena be taken into custody for inciting communal hatred and instigationg anti-Muslim violence, the Police force headed by Inspector -General of Police Pujith Jayasundara is unable to arrest and detain the “Venerable”Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero because the self-styled saviour of the Sinhala Buddhists has gone into hiding to save himself.

It is reliably learnt that when Police went in search of the political Bhikku fomenting ethno religious fascism to several places of worship and religious institutions linked to the Bodu Bala Sena, the controversial communalist monk spouting spoting venomous hatred was not to be found in those places. The inmates told Police that Gnanasara Thero had not been there recently and that they too were concerned about his absence.

Meanwhile the Bodu Bala Sena’s hief executive officer Dilantha Jayamanna has sent an urgent letter to the IGP Pujith Jayasundara stated that an armed gang of criminals is targeting the Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary with the diabolical motive of assassinating Gnanasara Thero. As a result of this death threat the BBS Gen secy has been compelled to go underground Jayamanna has said. The BBS Chief executive officer has urged the IGP to provide full security to Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and safeguard his life.

Earlier a group comprising members of the Buddhist clergy and laity demonstrated in front of the olice headquarters in Colombo protesting against the envisaged arrest of Gnanasara Thero. The motley group of demonstrators also demanded that the Police should arrest several Tamil and Muslim politicians whipping up communal sentiments first. The protesters who claimed to be representing the “Surakima Pinketha Sinhala Balavegaya” wore arm bands, headbands and mouth gags. Several bigwigs of te Bodu Bala Sena were seen at the forefront of the protest. In an interesting display of restraint the Police simply witnessed the protest in front of the Police Headquarters. This was in stark contrast to the force displayed by the cops in teargassing students and family members protesting against the SAITM at Lotus Road.

In a separate development on May 24th the BBS Secy – Gen failed to present himself at the Court of Appeal where a contempt of court case against Gnanasara Thero was being heard. Lawyers informed court that Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero was sick and therefore could not attend court. The court thereafter scheduled the next hearing for May 31st and instructed lawyers appearing for Gnasara Thero tat the Buddhist monk should present himself at the next hearing with his medical report.

Events Taking Interesting Turn

It is evident therefore that events concerning Gnanasara Thero are taking an interesting turn. On one level Gnanasara Thero keeps away from court claiming to be sick. On another level the Bodu Bala Sena’s chief executive officer complains to the Police that Gnanasara Thero is going to be assassinated by an un derworld gang and requests Police protection. In a further development the Police are unable to establish contact with Gnanasara Thero who has reportedly gone missing. In a separate yet related development a BBS backed group of demonstrators protest outside Police Headqrtrs demanding that Gnanasara Thero should not be arrested and that certain Tamil and Muslim politicians should be arrested before action is taken against the monk.

According to unconfirmed reports Gnanasara Thero was last seen in public in the Kandy area.The BBS Gen Secy had gone underground upon hearing that President Sirisena had ordered his immediate arrest with the sanction of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and cabinet of ministers. It is suspected that he was tipped off within minutes of the cabinet meeting held on May 23rd.

According to informed sources it is suspected that two cabinet minister and a provincial chief ininister in addition to some opposition politicians maintain covert links with Gnanasara Thero and the Bodu Bala Sena. Despite this political power the arrest order given by President Sirisena has altered the situation drastically. Gnanasara’s “protectors” are unable to safeguard him now. It is believed that Gnanasara Thero has taken refuge in a safe house provided by a top Govt minister.

Dressed in Civilian Clothes With False Passport

It is also suspected that clandestine moves are on to provide a false passport to Gnanasara Thero, dress him in civilian clothes and fly him out to a South East Asian country where he will remain incommunicado until the problems facing him in Sri Lanka are sorted out or fade away.

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