Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has alleged that the government has reached the point of attacking the Maha Sangha, and warned that new legislation is being prepared to silence a public pushed to breaking point.
He made these remarks during a visit to the Jana Savi villages on the Lunugamvehera left bank, where he i
nquired into the human-elephant conflict faced by residents.
The Opposition Leader said he had seen through the media how the government had treated the venerable Maha Sangha in recent days.
He said the police and security forces must carry out their duties by a civilised and disciplined method, understand that approach and show respect for the robe, which he said must be protected.
He noted that the constitution gives Buddhism a supreme place, making its protection a duty of the government.
He stressed that proper protection, safety and strength must also be given to other religions and cultures.
The prominent position accorded to Buddhism after the tenure of Ranasinghe Premadasa has collapsed, he claimed.
The Opposition Leader also said that the government and the president feared the public, who he said were frustrated by the human-elephant conflict and by the lack of a proper price for their harvest.
He said they were therefore introducing various laws to control the people.
He claimed that legislation presented as a means of preventing terrorism against the state was in fact aimed at curbing citizens who rise up against it.
According to the Opposition Leader Premadasa, people were living difficult lives under pressure, distress and panic caused by the failure of the government and the president to keep their promises, and they would eventually rise up.
He said the government was preparing two bills that would suppress fundamental and human rights, violate democratic rights and make even demonstrations impossible.
Premadasa further criticised the proposed Prevention of Organized Crime Act, saying it was an attempt to oppress the public.
He asserted that the government itself was the body committing organised crime, by leaving the public stranded through lies, deception and misdirection.
