The Shasanarakshaka balamandalaya of Matara issued a decree against Finance Minister Mangala Samarawera, banning him from entering any Buddhist temple in the district.

The balamandalaya comprises of the chief monks of all temples in the district.

Earlier this week, Gampaha Shasanarakshaka Balamanadaya decided that Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Rajitha Senaratne and Parliamentarian Chathura Senaratne would not be permitted to enter any Buddhist temple in the Gampaha area.

The decision was made in the light of certain statements made by the three lawmakers targeting some Buddhist monks.

The Balamandalaya decided that the three politicians should not be invited for any event organized by Buddhist temples in Gampaha.

Samaraweera also made a statement against Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith who visited Athuraliye Rathana Thera while the latter was on a hunger strike.

Samaraweera said the latter was trying to fan the flames of racism.