BUDDHIST MONK IMMOLATES SELF...

May 24, 2013

A Buddhist monk attempted self-immolation near the Wahalkada of the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy today (24). The monk was rushed to the Kandy General Hospital with serious burn injuries after he doused himself with petrol and set himself ablaze protesting against cattle slaughter. Police have identified him, through a NIC found in his possession, as a resident Buddhist monk at the Porabe Viharaya in Kahawatta. (Pic by Herath Ekanayake)

Jaffna Vesak Zone by Army

 Friday, 24 May 2013
Defense ministry sources say that a Vesak Zone and over 50 Dansals are held today in Jaffna (24) on behalf of the Vesak Poya day.

Rice, Manioc, Fruits, Cool drinks, Coffee and many other dansals will be held today.  

Sources further say that the civilions in the North have helped the security forces to make and display Vesak Lanterns and Thorana in this Vesak zone.

Meanwhile Sil programs will be held today in Lumbini Vihara in Killinichchi and Jaffna Naga Vihara with the participation of Military and Police families.

 (25) The State Vesak ceremony will be held tomorrow at 2.30pm at Yudangana Raja Maha Vihara in Buttala, Monaragala.

The ceremony will be held under the direction of the Chief incumbants of Malwathu and Asgiri Sectors with the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and with the participation of the Prime Minister D.M. Jayarathne, Uva CM Shashindra Rajapaksa and others.

Sri Lanka Mirror yesterday reported that the stray dogs in the area had been poisoned and killed to prevent them from disturbing the ceremony.

Fiery protest by Buddhist monk over cattle slaughter FRIDAY, 24 MAY 2013  A Buddhist monk set himself on fire this morning outside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy in protest over the slaughter of cattle, police said. Sources said the monk poured petrol over his body and then lit himself. He was rushed to the Kandy hospital with severe injuries and later transferred to General Hospital, Colombo, the police added. Preliminary investigations had revealed that the Buddhist monk identified as Ven. Bowatte Indraratana Thera was a former Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) member of the Pelmadulla Pradeshiya Sabha. He had lost his seat in the PS after he had repeatedly stayed away from council meetings. The PS Chairman said about two weeks ago he received a letter from the JHU saying that the monk had been expelled from the party.(J.A.L Jayasinghe and LB Senaratne)