The removal of five Civil Defence Force officers from Mangalaramaya in Batticaloa has raised serious security concerns, Venerable Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thero said.
The monk, who survived a shooting attack two years ago, revealed that the suspects in the attack remain at large and that he has received multiple anonymous death threats.
According to Thero, the officers were withdrawn following a discussion with the Maha Oya Civil Defence Force Commanding Officer, who cited damage to the temple’s Dharmashala by wild elephants on August 15 as the reason.
Speaking at a media briefing at Pansalgala Rajamaha Viharaya in Ampara at 2 a.m., Thero urged the President and Defense Secretary to provide him with immediate protection.
This angle highlights the withdrawal of security personnel as the central issue rather than focusing solely on the monk’s personal appeal.
If you like, I can draft an even more urgent, public-safety-focused version that emphasizes the threat to the community as well. Do you want me to do that?
