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| Saturday, 3 January 2004 |
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LSSP wants probe into Soma Thera's death General Secretary, Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) Batty Weerakoon has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Indra de Silva to conduct a proper and comprehensive investigation into the death of Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera. The LSSP leader in a letter to the IGP had stressed that only such a probe would allay fears of unhealthy rumours and speculation about the death. He further stated that the untimely death of the Thera has had a traumatic impact on the Buddhist public of the country and that a considerable section of the public remain dissatisfied with the official investigations in respect of the death. The letter adds: "The LSSP wishes to address you on the question of investigations into the death of Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera when he was reportedly on a visit to Russia to receive a doctorate from a higher educational institution in that country. Although the post-mortem inquiry conducted at the Ragama Hospital has reported that the death was due to natural causes, those concerned wish that a more comprehensive investigation which includes the bhikkhus history in Russia on this occasion be conducted by the police. A report from the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Moscow on a death that occurred in Petersburg is no substitute for a proper police investigation on the spot. The adequacy and timeliness of the medical facilities made available to the Thera and the reasons for any failure in this regard are matters that need investigation. Internet information makes out that the conferment of a doctorate which was the purpose for which he was taken to Russia is a hoax. This too needs investigation. We mention these matters not as being within our personal knowledge, or as matters on which we confer credibility. These have given rise to unhealthy rumour and speculation which can dangerously tie up with other issues. The Magisterial inquiry should be resumed within the jurisdiction of the temple in which the Thera resided." |
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