Sri Lankan Monks Accuse Govt of Organized Campaign to Undermine Buddhism

• A section of Sri Lanka's powerful Buddhist clergy criticized the government for an “organised campaign” to sully Buddhism and monks.
• Monks issued a 10-point ultimatum, claiming Buddhism's stature is being “politically undermined” and demanding urgent government attention.
• Leading monk Muruththettuwe Ananda revealed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake tried to dissuade him from protesting.
• Monks alleged “organised social media campaigns” by vested interests are targeting Buddhism and urged the government to intervene.
• Concerns were raised about the government ignoring the Buddhist Order ministry and the arrest of monks for violating coastal conservation laws.