Public activist Asela Sampath has strongly condemned the severe protests currently being launched by several civil organizations against Galigamuwe Gnanadeepa Thero and their requests for the removal of his sermons from media channels. The activist accuses these actions of being “childish and degenerate acts that insult Buddhism.”
Asela Sampath further emphasized that if there is any wrongdoing by Gnanadeepa Thero, complaints should be made through the relevant Nikaya, or to the country’s law enforcement, including the Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), or Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID). He stated that disrespecting a Buddhist monk using social media and microphones without following due process is entirely wrong.
Social Service by the Monk:
In his comments defending the monk, Sampath revealed that Galigamuwe Gnanadeepa Thero has used financial donations to construct a four-story building (Bakkula Seya) to care for ailing monks. He pointed out that the monk is fulfilling a role that should ideally be carried out by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and the Mahanayake Theros.
Furthermore, Asela Sampath accused the “Upasika Ammavaru” (female lay devotees) belonging to the protesting groups, stating that they should focus on their personal family lives and not interfere in temple matters.
Civil Organizations and Media Under Scrutiny:
He further stated that it is regrettable that some civil activists and prominent media organizations are intervening in this unnecessary issue. The social activist issued a final warning, declaring that if this issue is further socialized, he is prepared to file a complaint against individuals belonging to the protesting groups with the new unit investigating “property obtained through crime.”
