Speaking at the Bodu Bala Sena convention yesterday, controversial Buddhist monk from Myanmar Ashin Wirathu Thera pledged his support to the BBS. He had reportedly said that he would work with the BBS to protect their common religion that was “facing threats from Islamic jihadists.”

Fingers have been pointed at the BBS on attacks against Muslim-owned establishments in Sri Lanka. The BBS has denied involvement in such incidents. Furthermore, the Sri Lanka government has also denied backing the BBS amidst allegations arising that it is doing so.

Both General Secretary of BBS Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera and the 969 Movement leader Ashin Wirathu Thera have been accused of making hate speeches. However, Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera has said both of them were “peaceful monks with no blood on our hands.”

At the BBS convention, Wirathu Thera reportedly said Muslim extremists had tried to scuttle his visit to Sri Lanka, that shares cultural and religious links with Myanmar.

“I am thankful to the President for granting me a visa in spite of attempts by Muslim extremists to prevent my visit,” he has added.

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka had earlier warned the authorities that allowing Wirathu to visit “would pose a serious threat to peace in our beloved motherland”. Sri Lanka Muslim Congress had meanwhile sought special protection ahead of the meeting to ensure safety of citizens.