Ven. Theripahala Siridhamma Thero of Rathupaswala launched a hunger strike this afternoon (08 October) in Tangalle, protesting the government’s move to withdraw the security detail of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Thero began his fast at 1:00 p.m., staging the protest in front of the D. S. Senanayake statue, directly opposite Carlton House.

The monk is demanding the reinstatement of security not only for Mahinda Rajapaksa but for all former Presidents, citing national service and personal safety concerns.

Ven. Siridhamma Thero declared the decision to remove protection for a former head of state as “unacceptable”, vowing to continue his fast until the security arrangements are restored.

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