Ven. Prof. Medagoda Abayatissa Thera suggests there is a connection between beer-drinking and homosexuality.

“We even saw [the previous government] take steps aimed at reducing the prices of beer,” he has told a weekend newspaper, adding “We know that there is a direct connection between beer and homosexuality.

“They also made attempts to relax the laws allowing females to buy liquor. All of these were part of this attempt to destroy our culture and corrupt young people.”

Abayatissa Thera has also been involved in the furore over a sex education book for Grade 7 students which has since been withdrawn.

He claimed his comments had been deliberately misrepresented to imply monks were against the teaching of sex education in schools.

“This is a total lie. We have no objection to it. But what is included in this book is far too much for young children. What’s more, it seems to be an organised attempt by certain elements to corrupt our young.”