Colombo, Nov. 2 -- Incumbent of Mangalaramaya in Batticaloa Venerable Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thera has called on the President and Defense Secretary for immediate security, citing ongoing threats to his life.

The monk revealed that the suspects involved in a shooting attack on him two years ago remain at large.

He added that the five Civil Defence Force officers who had been assigned to protect him were removed on August 30, creating a serious security gap. According to Thero, the removal followed a discussion with the Maha Oya Civil Defence Force Commanding Officer, who cited damage to the temple's Dharmashala by wild elephants on August 15 as the reason.

Thera made these remarks during a media conference held at Pansalgala Rajamaha ...