Minister of Public Relations and Public Affairs Mervyn Silva has vehemently criticized the Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera saying the latter is wearing the ’Buddha Robe’ only to earn money.

The Minister, speaking to reporters,  said people like Gnanasara Thera were nowhere to be seen during the time of war.  He also added that the BBS organization has come out of the shell after the government ended the thirty year long conflict.

Mervin Silva accused the BBS monks of chasing after the virtual needs of fame, glory and wealth in the name of Buddhism which encourages people to let go of all worldly needs.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the likes of Gnanasara Thera use the reputation and respect the saffron robe has in the society, to gain worldly pleasures such as money, power and fame.

The Minister was part of the ministerial delegation who met Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Thera, Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter, regarding the behavior of BBS General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnasara Thera.

During the meeting, he said that the behavior of Gnanasara Thera was not suitable for a Buddhist monk.