The failure of law enforcement to take prompt action against Buddhist monk Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thera for his alleged threatening and hateful comments against Tamils living in the South has ignited a growing outcry from various quarters, raising questions about the police’s inaction.
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) has submitted a formal letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), urgently urging action against Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thera, a Buddhist monk hailing from Batticaloa. The monk has come under scrutiny for his alleged incendiary remarks that have raised concerns about communal harmony in the country. In a video that has sparked outrage, the monk is seen making threats against the Tamil community in the Southern region of Sri Lanka.
The contentious video features Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thera issuing inflammatory statements, including a disturbing threat to cut Tamils living in the South into “pieces.” Such comments are not only offensive but are also deemed to be in violation of international laws, specifically the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The ITAK contends that these statements pose a serious threat to communal harmony and have the potential to incite violence and hatred.
Despite these concerns and the formal complaint lodged by ITAK, the police have yet to take swift action to address the issue, leading to frustration and discontent among those advocating for justice.
TNA MP Shanakiyan Rasamanikkam questioned the police’s inaction, emphasizing the need for consistency in applying the ICCPR laws. He stated, “Action taken or not taken on this matter will show us if the ICCPR Act is only to be used against those opposed to the government, Tamils, and Muslims in Sri Lanka, or if it is against hate speech.”
The delay in addressing this issue has raised concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of law enforcement in handling cases involving hate speech and threats to communal harmony. As the calls for action against Ampitiye Sumanarathana Thera continue to grow, the situation remains a matter of considerable concern and public interest.