Release Gen. Fonseka just as Karuna & Pilleyan were released using executive powers – Mahanayakas tell President

Saturday, 13 February 2010 19:20


The Mahanayakas of the three Chapters have asked the President to free Gen. Sarath Fonseka of all accusations against him, release him and provide necessary security using his executive powers just as the President had used it to release Karuna Amman and Pilleyan who hasd massacred Bhikkus at Aranthalawa and carried out a bomb attack on the Temple of the Tooth. This request has been made to President Mahinda Rajapkse in a letter written with the signatures of Mahanayake of Malwatta Chapter Most Ven Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera, Mahanayake of Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Thera, Mahanayake of Amarapura Chapter Most Ven. Dawuldeniye Gnanissara Thera and Mahanayake of Ramagnna Chapter Most Ven. Weveldeniye Medhalankara Thera.

In their letter the Mahanayakas further state even in the past the Maha Sangha came forward for the settlement of any crises, dissention and conflict between the ruler and the ruled. This has been confirmed in the chronicles too the prelates point out. It is this tradition that has prompted them to address the President in order to calm down the crisis that has emerged in the country they state in their letter to the President.

They have asked the President to follow Lord Buddhas teaching that ‘hatred would not end hatred’ and give up the differences and the conflict with the former Commander of SL Army Gen. Fonseka who carried out the task of eradicating terrorism from the Motherland. The Prelates in their letter reminds the President, that he, using his executive powers, has taken to the government’s fold and presented ministerial posts and other privileges to Karuna Amman (Karuna) and Pilleyan, considered as fierce terrorists who had assassinated Bhikkus, attacked the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Maha Bodhiya, murdered a large number of members of security forces and civilians and was engaged in a process of dividing the country. Hence, the President should use his executive powers to release all those who have been arrested, including Gen. Fonseka, who have risked their lives to protect sovereignty, territorial integrity of the Motherland and security of the masses state the Mahanayakas in their letter.