July 01, Galle: Buddhist extremists in Sri Lanka today attacked another Buddhist monk for preaching 'new ideology' at Baddegama town in the Galle district of Southern Province.

A group of Buddhist extremists led by a few monks launched an attack on the monk as he was arriving for a sermon. Several bodyguards of the preacher who came to the sermon also received blows, local media reported.

The victim of the attack Sri Samnthabadra, formerly known as Ven. Pitiduwe Siridhamma Thero of Siri Sandaham Ashram at Bellantota in Boralesgamuwa has raised controversy as a preacher of new ideology which the orthodox Buddhists claim is against Lord Buddha's teachings.

He claims he has attended the second stage of enlightenment "sakurdagami" stage.

He last year challenged several prominent monks for a dhamma discourse and police protection had to be provided to him when a group of monks and layman entered his premises and challenged him back.