The JVP today completely condemned the behaviour of the Bodu Bala Sena organization after the controversial group stormed a media conference yesterday and verbally attacked a Buddhist monk.

In a statement released to the media, the JVP condemned the actions of the BBS after its representatives had disrupted the press briefing and had verbally abused members of the Buddhist clergy while forcing a monk to apologise on camera. The statement noted that this conduct was being tolerated by police officers who stood idly by.

The JVP claimed that these incidents would create problems regarding democracy and national unity within the country, reminding the public of its right to hold and express opinions.

They stated that if anyone opposes those opinions they can only express their opposition in the same civilised manner while adding that the BBS was setting a bad example by using force to combat those with different ideas.

The press release further read that during a time in which facilitating discussions regarding national unity is of utmost importance, these acts only pushed people to once again distance themselves from each other based on religion and race. 

Furthermore, it added that by conducting themselves in this manner in the presence of police authorities it only confirmed the government’s endorsement of such behaviour.

The JVP demanded that the government take steps at once to prevent these incidents from occurring again while imploring the public to unite and conduct themselves in an atmosphere of brotherhood regardless of race or religion.