Members of the organisation of Buddhist monks, Bodu Bala Sena, met with Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, D. M. Jayaratne today, at his official residence in Colombo, after demanding an apology for allegedly insulting the JHU leader.

Photograph Daily Mirror LK

The sway of this influential organisation crosses party lines. Earlier this year, the President allegedly refused entry to the new Norwegian ambassador, amidst reports suggesting that the BBS had disapproved of the ambassador's sexual orientation. Recently the UNP was reportedly forced to formally apologise to the BBS - a report which the UNP leader denied, stating that no "public" apology was issued.

Meanwhile, in June, the New York Time magazine, which was carrying a cover story comparing the BBS with the Myanmar based organisation, 'Buddhist 969' (see here for more on similarities between Buddhist ideology in Sri Lanka and Myanmar), was stopped at Sri Lankan customs. 

See articles on recent activities of the BBS:

BBS wants Defence Ministry to 'take over' archaeology (19 Oct 2013)

BBS to launch ‘crusade’ (06 Oct 2013)

Statues and emblems not enough for BBS (20 Apr 2013)

Bodu Bala Sena plan US visit to create 'worldwide BBS network' (08 Apr 2013)

Creating a moral Sri Lanka : BBS (31 Mar 2013)

SL is a Sinhala Buddhist country - Buddhist clergy (26 Mar 2013)

BBS halal fight ‘concluded’, now call for removal of mosque (18 Mar 2013)

BBC crew abused at Buddhist rally (17 Feb 2013)