While expressing displeasure on the statement issued by Most Ven. Dalai Lama on Sri Lankan Buddhists, Patriotic National Movement (PNM) Chairman Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera on Monday said Dalai Lama has been misled on how Muslims were being treated in Sri Lanka.
 

In an address delivered on his 79th birthday, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has called on Buddhists in Sri Lanka and Myanmar to stop violence towards Muslim minorities.  
 

“It appears the Dalai Lama has been misled to issue this statement by stating that the Muslims in Sri Lanka are been cruelly treated by the Buddhists. Every Buddhist in Sri Lanka has continued to live according to the precepts of the ‘Dhamma’ extending loving kindness and compassion,” Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera said in a statement. 

The Thera said the statement issued by the Dalai Lama has led to the spreading of false rumours against the country to create an adverse effect internationally. 

 “There is a conspiracy against Sri Lanka. International efforts have also tried their best to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka in the past many decades and are becoming more aggressive. These sinister motives are to discredit and tarnish the image of Sri Lanka and if possible to destroy it,” he said.

He said it was sad to note that Most Ven. Dalai Lama’s statements which are most unfounded create a lack of confidence and the regard the people have in the country.

“We wish to point out to the External Affairs Ministry and to the Government Diplomatic Service that there is a need to show more diligence and prudence when action is taken regarding such matters,” The Thera said. 

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