Improper for monks to continue death fasts after Mahanayake Theras assurance: Ven. Sobitha Thera

BY CHAMIKARA Weerasinghe

JATHIKA HELA URUMAYA, Deputy Leader Ven. Prof. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera said yesterday it was improper for bhikkhus to engage in death fasts and campaigns against the Tsunami Relief Council after assurances given by the Mahanayake Theras that nothing would take place in regard to that without the Mahanayaka theras' approval.

Ven. Prof. Sobhitha thera said this when asked by the Daily News why he gave up his fast-unto-death campaign against the proposed Tsunami Relief Council without achieving their aim for its withdrawal.

Prof. Sobhitha Thera categorically stated that he did not give up his fast-unto-death.

"I only stopped the action as a mark of respect to the Venerable Mahanayake Theras on their promise that nothing will go wrong in the implementation of the proposed joint mechanism", he said.

"I take the responsibility of my fast-unto-death campaign. It is still pending on the outcome of the future," he said.

"It is not our intention to upset the government or topple it and thereby cause the government to have fresh elections adding to the citizens' burdens", the Thera said.

Critical of the on going hunger strike by the Jathika Bhikku Peramuna with Ven. Dambara Amila Thera as their Head at the Fort Railway Station, Ven. Prof. Sobhitha Thera said it was improper to continue their fast after the assurance given by the Mahanayake Theras.

Asked to comment whether the Jathika Hela Urumaya had been invited by the JVP to form a new alliance, the Thera said they had not received any proposals so far from the JVP.

Meanwhile, JHU Media Secretary Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera asked of their stance on the current political situation relating to the proposed Tsunami Relief Council, the thera slammed the phone.