SELF-IMMOLATION COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED – Media Sec.
Mass Media and Information Ministry Secretary Dr. Charitha Herath
Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday said his ministry has launched a special investigation into the death of Ven. Bowatte Indrarathana Thera, by self-immolation opposite the Dalada Maligawa.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigations Department launched a separate probe into the incident, the Police said.
The Mass Media and Information Ministry launched an inquiry into the incident following information that the monk had reportedly given a statement to local media about his intention to kill himself by setting himself on fire, in protest against ‘cattle slaughter in Sri Lanka.’
The Police said they recorded statements from several reporters who were present at the time the monk divulged his plans.
Mass Media and Information Ministry Secretary Dr. Charitha Herath told the media that the monk’s life could have been saved had the local media personnel concerned, informed the law enforcement authorities about the monk’s intended action.
Ven. Indrarathana Thera died of severe burn injuries at the Colombo General Hospital on Saturday. He was rushed to Kandy Teaching Hospital after his self-immolation bid on Friday near the Dalada Maligawa and was later flown to the Colombo National Hospital. He had reportedly left a couple of written statements
(Courtesy: Daily News)
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As usual the witch hunt is on….or looking for monsters under the bed.
Kandians brag about there heritage, bastion of liberty, home to the sacred relics …. kandian heritage is in decay like the decadent rambukwells and herath, on theri way to perdition
Dr C Herath should realise that many more lives could have been saved hod his boss not assumed the role of Goebbels in the GOSL.
The CID has also launched an investigation. Three hearty cheers for the CID. The killers of the British tourist in Tangalle and the late Mr Premachandra in Kelaniya are walking free; thanks to the humanitarian approach of the CID.
The whole of the system of governace in Sri Lanka has fallen apart; I hate to say this but law enforcement is at its lowest ebb.
It’s only voices in the darkness like that of Shenali Wadduge in Onlanka and Rev Galgoda Athhe Gnanasara Thera of the Bodhu Bala Sena that offer us, members of civil society, any consolation.
Ven Indraratne Thera sacrificed his own life in the cause of animal protection. How many in GOSL top rungs are willing to do the same for the cause of good governance?
My heart bleeds for our nation as long as I see men of the calibre of Keheliya Rambukwella and Charitha Herath are at the helm of communications.
Well said Chumpa,
I studied in Peradeniya at the time but did not know Charitha Herath. Recently I learned that he was studying as a Buddhist monk in Peradeniya and later disrobed.
He did not support PA but getting the advantage as an opportunist to work as the secretary of media Ministry by passing other qualified people.