Sri Lanka, Oct. 18 -- Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has strongly condemned an alleged attack on Buddhist clergy who were chanting Pirith at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo.

In a statement, he said he strongly deplored the government's handling of the peaceful satyagraha from the outset.

The protest calls for the release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Premadasa also alleged that the monks had been denied access to sanitation facilities and that the covers they had put up for protection from the rain were forcibly removed.

He said ensuring the safety of the public and Buddhist monks was the responsibility of the President.

Premadasa also urged the President to intervene promptly to prevent any breakdown in religious ...