Wednesday, October 27, 2004

MP monk wants removal of SU members by Damitha Hemachandra

The nearly-resolved conflict within the Jatika Hela Urumaya (JHU) deepened again creating conflict within the Supreme Sangha Council over the demands of Ven. Uduwe Dammaloka Thera, party sources said yesterday.

Despite protest from many members of the Supreme Sangha Council Ven. Dammaloka Thera demanded the removal of many Sihala Urumaya members who were holding important posts in the Central Committee. Many felt that it was ungrateful to do so after the contributions they had made towards the victory of the JHU during the last elections.

Parliamentary Group Leader, Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera earlier insisted that there would be no immediate changes in the party while adding that the journey towards a 'Dharmarajya' included the laity as well.

Meanwhile party sources denied recent rumours of the resignation of Ven. Dammaloka Thera from the party. They said Ven. Dammaloka Thera would not be following the path of Ven. Kolonnawe Sumangala Thera, who too opposed the high political posts in the party by SU members.

Breaking his earlier pledge not to go public until November 4, Ven. Uduwe Dammaloka Thera accused his political opponents of trying to assassinate him politically. He alleged some groups within the JHU were trying to hold him in negative light with the assistance of the UNP and UNP-backed media.

The Daily Mirror learns that this move was taken despite pleas from the rest of the Supreme Sangha Council to resolve matters within the party and the pledges by Ven. Dammaloka Thera not go public if the Supreme Sangha Council cleared him of allegations about some alleged vehicle dealings.