Ven. Uduwe to quit politics

Irangika Range and Sulochani Wijesinghe

[Good future]

* Country marching towards success

* Country free from ethnic, religious conflicts

* Religion and social services

Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera yesterday declared that he would withdraw from all politics hereafter since an environment has been created by President Mahinda Rajapaksa giving pride of place for all religions and a society free from drugs and alcohol.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo yesterday, Ven. Dhammaloka Thera said he would continue conducting the Dharma deshana for the future prosperity of the country and its people. Ven. Uduwe Thera stated that he would remain as an MP until Parliament is dissolved.

He said the country is now marching towards success giving pride of place to social, religious and cultural values which had not been witnessed during previous regimes.

The Ven. Thera said since the President has been re-elected they could be assured that the country would be free from ethnic and religious conflicts in the future.

"The time has come for me to leave the field of politics and continue my religious and social services with more dedication while supporting the President to protect Sri Lanka from any outside influences," he said. Kirulapana Bodhi Bauddha Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven. Vitharandeniye Nanda Thera and Piliyandala Shanthi Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven Wellawatte Panyasiri Thera also participated.