The peace march organised by Buddhist monks in support of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero was not intended to topple the government, Senior Professor Venerable Kotapitiye Rahula Anunayake Thero said today (20).

Speaking at a special media briefing, the Anunayake Thero said Gnanasara Thero was not engaged in racism or politics, adding that attempts were being made to portray religious and racial divisions as existing in the country when, according to him, they did not.

The Thero rejected interpretations that the activities of young Buddhist monks campaigning on behalf of Gnanasara Thera constituted a political movement, emphasising that they had come together to defend the robe and Buddhism.

Venerable Rahula Thero further stated that expressing disagreement with the government on a particular issue should not automatically be interpreted as opposition to the government itself.

The Thero stressed that Buddhist monks should be able to express their views peacefully and rationally.

The Anunayake Thero also criticised the manner in which Gnanasara Thera’s robe was removed, saying the process should have been carried out in accordance with the proper procedures.

Venerable Kotapitiye Rahula Thero added that the campaign would continue until the issue was resolved.