Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has demanded an explanation from State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake over comments he has made critical of Buddhist monks.
In a letter to Ramanayake the Prime Minister has said that the United National Party rejects the opinion expressed by the State Minister.
The Prime Minister said that he works closely with the Buddhist clergy and Buddhist Temples.
He said that the views expressed by Ramanayake contradict the views of the United National Party leadership and the party.
Ramanayake had reportedly stated that young monks are sexually abused at temples and that around 90% of Buddhist monks who behave in an aggressive manner had been abused when they were young.
The Prime Minister has given Ramanayake time till July 21 to submit an explanation over the remarks he had made.
(Colombo Gazette)