• Urge Prez to discipline Govt. reps.

In the wake of the Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha’s public criticism of a Buddhist monk over remarks directed at Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect stated the discipline of Buddhist monks falls strictly within the authority of the relevant Buddhist Sects, and not politicians or the Government.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Secretary of the Supreme Sangha Council of the Asgiri Chapter, Dr. Medagama Dhammananda said that political leaders have no role in defining or regulating monastic conduct, stressing that such responsibilities rest with the relevant Buddhist Sects and the religious authorities concerned.

“When politicians make remarks on the discipline of monks, people will also understand their capacity," he observed, opining the President should focus on ensuring discipline among Government representatives. “If a Buddhist monk does something wrong, the relevant Sects will take the necessary action. It is not for the Government or politicians to try to handle these matters,” he said.

His comments come after Lal Kantha, speaking at the annual Agricultural College Alumni Association conference held on 11 January of this year (2026), made a remark on the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Walawahangunawewe Dhammarathana. Addressing the gathering, he condemned remarks made by the monk that targeted Dr. Amarasuriya, and referred to the monk as a “savage” and accused him of cursing and using foul language against the Premier.