Monks refuse to leave Presidential Secretariat after talks fail

Buddhist monks staging a sit-in protest outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo have refused to leave after discussions with presidential officials failed to produce a positive response to their demand for the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

The monks said they would continue their protest until the government makes an announcement confirming the imprisoned monk’s release.

Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake earlier met with the protesting monks to discuss their demands.

However, according to the protesters, presidential officials informed them that at least one month would be required to make a decision on the matter.

The monks expressed dissatisfaction with the response, insisting that they would not end their demonstration without a positive announcement from the government.

The protesters had earlier made their way to Colombo despite heavy rain before staging a sit-in on the road outside the Presidential Secretariat.

There has been no official announcement from the President’s Office regarding the outcome of the discussions. (Newswire)

The post Monks refuse to leave Presidential Secretariat after talks fail appeared first on Newswire.