Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lalkantha has responded to criticism from Opposition political leaders and several Buddhist monks over his recent reference to a “Mihintale Savage”, made while condemning misogynistic remarks directed at Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya.

Although Lalkantha did not mention any individual by name, several Opposition MPs, including Namal Rajapaksa, as well as members of the Buddhist clergy, accused him of referring to the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Walawahengunawe Dhammarathana Thera.

Lalkantha has neither confirmed nor accepted that the remark was aimed at the Mihintale Chief Incumbent. However, in a brief Facebook post today (13), he stated: “I saw more savages,” signalling that he is not withdrawing the comment despite the uproar.