Sihala Urumaya to be revived

The Sihala Urumaya is to be revived as a party with a separate identity to Contest all future elections.

Leader and General Secretary Sarath Manamendra said this decision has been taken by popular request because the Jathika Hela Urumaya had shattered the hopes and aspirations of the people who reposed faith in it at the last elections.

Manamendra in a communique issued yesterday said the Sihala Urumaya was transformed into the Jathika Hela Urumaya under the guidance of the Maha Sangha and taken before the people at the last general election to stabilise the identity and safety of the Sinhala nation and Buddhism which had a proud history.

But due to a situation where the expectations of the Sinhala Buddhists were not being fulfilled the Sihala Urumaya decided to revive itself and continue as a Sinhala national movement in response to public requests. As such the Sihala Urumaya would be re-organised under his leadership in a manner safeguarding the identity of Sinhala heritage.

Furthermore, the Party would study the future political climate extensively to decide whether it should contest future elections on its own or in alliance with another party or parties.

Manamendra emphasised that the views expressed by Ven. Aturaliye Ratana Thera and Champika Ranawaka were not the views of the Sihala Urumaya. The Sihala Urumaya views concerning the national question were completely different from those of Ven. Ratana and Mr. Ranawaka.