Burmese Monk Ashin Virathu thero has expressed his gratitude to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for intervening to grant him visa to enter the country amidst huge criticism from Muslim organizations.

Speaking at the Bodu Bala Sena general assembly Virathu thera said that he appreciates the Sri Lankan President’s courage to intervene in ensuring his entry to the country.

Muslim organizations in the country requested President Mahinda Rajapaksa not to grant entry to the controversial Virathu monk who was under fire for leading anti-Muslim riots in Burma.

At the BBS general assembly, Virathu thera pointed out that Muslim organizations around the world have taken up the leading role and that organizations such as ISIS have infiltrated every part of the world.

Virathu thera pointed out that a majority have twisted the teachings of Lord Buddha to fulfil their own agendas and that certain groups have directly targeted the Buddhist culture.

However, Virathu thera firmly said that he will always continue to defend Buddhism from external forces and he encouraged the BBS to uphold their policies in the Sri Lanka.