JHU for society based on the five precepts

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

Jathika Hela Urumaya yesterday announced at a press conference at the National Library and Documentation Services Board auditorium, Colombo that they will contest the forthcoming General Election under United People's Freedom Alliance based on 10 principals that envisions the preservation of the country's territorial integrity, unitary status and the environment, as foremost among these.

The principles seek to eliminate discrimination of persons on account of their language, cast or creed reduce inequality and to promote an alcohol-free and smoking-free society , said Parliamentary Group leader of Jathika Hela Urumaya Athuraliye Rathana Thera.

The Thera said they have taken an oath before Sri Dalada Maligawa to protect the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and unitary status.

The Thera said, they have promised to establish a society that is disciplined in the Five Precepts based on the Good Law of the Buddha.

"We have vowed to do our utmost to defeat any kind of terrorism or separatism that might arise against the country with no regard to whence such threats come from or which political party is perpetrating such acts," he said.

He said, they will work to ensure that learned, honest and capable members get into Parliament.

We are planning to instill these concepts in the minds of the public during our campaign for the General Election.

The Thera said they plan to apprise the public of the importance of being environmental friendly to face future environmental challenges that is a direct result of global warming.

This is consequent to excessive emissions of carbon dioxide by industrialized countries that burn fossil fuel.

We plan to lead by example, for which reason we have introduced a posters- free and crackers-free election campaign, he pointed out.

We will not give our supporters liquor and cigarettes, he said.

JHU contestants for upcoming Parliamentary election are Ven Athureliye Rathana for Gampaha district, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Champika Ranawaka for Colombo, Retired Squadron Leader Shantha Jayatillaka for Kalutara, Attorney-at-Law M.C. Jayaratna for Kurunegalaand Thushara Swaranatillaka for Kandy.

JHU leader Ven Ellawala Medhananda and the General Secretary Ven Omalpe Sobitha Thera have been offered national list positions, JHU sources said.