Sri Lanka, Jan. 13 -- Serious consequences await the government if it fails to take appropriate action against Minister Lal Kantha regarding his alleged derogatory comments about the Buddhist clergy.

This warning came yesterday (12) from Venerable Liyanwala Sasanarathana Thera, Chairman of the National Sangha Federation, during a press conference held at the Janamangalarama International Buddhist Centre in Madawala, Kandy.

The Thero characterised the Minister's statements as "barbaric and low-level," noting that while disagreements between politicians and the Maha Sangha are common, no leader in the country's history has insulted the clergy in such a manner.

He emphasised that the Maha Sangha maintains a moral right to challenge any a...