In a statement, the ministry said misinformation was being circulated regarding a request made by Upathissa Thera, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society, seeking an extension of a special airport entry permit. The request, submitted on official Mahabodhi Society letterhead on December 29, 2025, sought an extension of a permit that expired on December 31, 2025.
According to the ministry, the letter was forwarded to the then AASL Chairman with a recommendation from the Minister to consider the request in view of Upathissa Thera’s contributions to the international Buddhist community.
Abeywickrama subsequently issued a conditional approval on January 9, 2026, subject to ministerial instructions and taking into account previous experiences related to the granting of special permissions.
The ministry emphasized that there was no disagreement between the Minister and Abeywickrama regarding the issuance of the permit.
It further stated that Abeywickrama tendered his resignation following a meeting with the Minister on January 21, 2026, during which upcoming structural changes within the organization were discussed.
The ministry reiterated that the resignation was unrelated to the permit request and was part of broader management restructuring plans at AASL.
