National carrier SriLankan Airlines has issued a clarification with regard to recent reports of mishandling the travel of World renowned Buddhist monk – Ven. Ajahn Brahmavaṃso Thera.

Noting that the story is ‘completely false’, SriLankan airlines state that the Thera was booked on a different airline when the unfortunate delay occurred at the BIA yesterday (31).

“SriLankan Airlines, however, promptly stepped up and went beyond to help Venerable Ajahn Brahm find an alternative flight.”

“SriLankan Airlines therefore reiterates that the Venerable Thero was not originally booked to travel to Bangkok or any other destination on SriLankan Airlines when the incident happened,” the statement further notes.

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(Previous Update at  04:31 pm June 01, 2023)

Ven. Ajahn Brahmavaṃsa Thera ‘bumped’ to make way for PM’s entourage?

World renowned Buddhist monk – Ven. Ajahn Brahmavaṃso had been compelled to remain at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake for over 12 hours yesterday (31) after the Thera was not escorted to his scheduled flight, ‘Lankadeepa’ reports.

The Thera had been at the airport around 10.00pm on May 30, and was supposed to take the SriLankan Airlines flight which was supposed to leave for Bangkok, Thailand at 1.10 am yesterday

After completing all security checks, The Thero was seated at the VIP guest lounge to board the scheduled flight.

A little later, Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena and his entourage had also arrived at the VIP lounge before being taken to the flight to Thailand on a special bus.

Around 2.30am, airport officials had informed the Thera that the flight was cancelled.

Quoting officials, ‘Lankadeepa’ further reports that the Thera had left the island at 10.45 yesterday morning, via SriLankan Airlines’ flight UL 314 which departed for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

According to some reports, the Ven. Thera had been ‘bumped’ to make room for the PM’s entourage.