Journalist recounts self-immolation scenario

Jayantha de Silva

The Bhikku who self-immolated opposite the Dalada Maligawa protesting against cattle slaughter in Sri Lanka died at the

National Hospital on May 25. Kandy Magistrate through the Maligakande Acting Magistrate Lloyd Gray ordered City Coroner Edward Ahangama to hold an inquest on the death of Ven. Bowatte Indraratnana (30) the incumbent of Sri Sugatha Viharaya, Kahawatte and submit a report.

At the inquest witness Suwarnawahini TV Provincial Journalist Rajapakse Suraweera testified that on the day of the incident he received a call that there was a protest by the Bhikkus against the slaughter of cattle. In response to the call he accompanied by cameraman Sanjeewa Paul went to cover the event. A Bhikkku was addressing a gathering in the vicinity of the Queens Hotel. The speaker said that 500 Bhikkus are planning to commit self immolation in protest against cattle slaughter in a Buddhist country like Sri Lanka. He said the bikkhu handed him two letters and said that he wanted to make a statement on the issue.

Furthermore he( the bikkhu) expressed disappointment about the earlier protests which were of no avail. The Bhikku expressed his intention to set himself on fire. “I told him that I am a Journalist. If he attempts to set himself on fire I shall inform the Police.” There was a milk alms giving centre ( Kiri Dansela ) in the vicinity which was opened by Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa and Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake. While the protest was being videoed, he saw a ball of fire. People were throwing milk from the dansela in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Later he saw a Bhikku laid on a plank. He did not witness a plastic can.

The post mortem held by JMO Ananda Samarasekara revealed that death was due to irreversible shock following extensive flame burn injuries on both face and upper front spread around 90 percent of the body. The burn injuries were consistent with self immolation. A verdict of suicide was returned. PC Gamage assisted by PS Lal Pathirana led evidence. The Coroner ordered the body to be handed over to Ven. Ratnamalawatte Wimalaratne. The body is to be kept for public homage at Kahawatte Herman Memorial Sports Stadium. PC Gamage assisted by PC Lal Pathirana led evidence.