The masterminds of the Easter attacks and Islamic extremist groups have close ties with the current government and political elite, says Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.
Thero said this while participating in a special media briefing. During the briefing, the Thero revealed these facts with photographs and evidence.
Thero pointed out how people who had links with extremists, including Saharan Hashim, are working closely with leaders such as current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister Sunil Handunnetti.
Saying, “This is Saharan, this is Anura, this is the people who are with Sunil Handunnetti,” the Thero displayed several photographs to the media.
The Venerable Thera says that individuals like Fal Ulhaq, who were reported to be associated with the “Military Movement” organization in 2007, are currently with government figures and that they sought votes under the photos of the President and Prime Minister in the past elections.
Also, responding to a statement made in Parliament by Minister Bimal Ratnayake, the Venerable Thera stated that the statement that money was given to the Bodu Bala Sena through intelligence accounts is false.
“Now, your government, if possible, should reveal the account numbers. Show the country whether the money was given in dollars or rupees,” he challenged.