• Note public unrest due to Govt. absconding on responsibility, urge Govt. to control CoL, secure rule of law

The Chief Prelates (Mahanayakas) of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siam sect have informed President Ranil Wickremesinghe that it is the responsibility of the Government to hold the Local Government (LG) elections as scheduled, as the postponement of the same has created unrest among the public.

Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera and Ven. Warakagoda Dhammasiddhi Sri Gnanarathana Thera, the Mahanayakas of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, respectively, had sent a letter to President Wickremesinghe, in which they had made remarks about the LG elections and the prevailing situation in the country. In the letter dated Tuesday (14), which was seen by The Daily Morning, it was stated: "The postponement of the LG elections has created unrest among the public. As a person who is honoured for being a democratic Head of State, you are well aware that the preservation of democracy is the confirmation of the people's sovereignty through a free and fair election. Therefore, it is the Government's responsibility to conduct the LG elections as scheduled."

The Mahanayakas had also made remarks on the ongoing protest movements and the measures taken by the Government regarding the same. "Protests on prevailing issues should not be implemented with the aim of creating political, economic and social instability in the country. However, the public should have the right to express their opinions freely while adhering to the legal limits peacefully. Therefore, we hope that the Government will work to improve the living conditions of the people by controlling the cost of living (CoL) and by securing the rule of law." They further stated that the Government should take immediate action to successfully face the economic challenges that have arisen and implement pro-public policies in order to reduce the rising cost of living and to secure the people's lives. It was further stated in the letter that all parties must understand their duties and responsibilities to revive the country economically at this critical time, and put aside party based political agendas and implement long-term plans based on national policies.

Meanwhile, the National Bhikkhu Front (NBF) had recently handed over a letter to the Mahanayakas of the Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters, and requested them to issue a Sangha order informing the Government to hold the LG elections. The NBF General Secretary, Ven. Wakamulle Uditha Thera said at the time that the NBF had been informed by Ven. Sumangala Thera and Ven. Gnanarathana Thera that they would make a decision regarding the request after discussing it with the Mahanayakas of the Ramanna and Amarapura Sects, Ven. Makulewe Wimala Thera and Ven. Dodampahala Chandasiri Thera, respectively.