Athuraliye Rathana thero, Rajawatte Vappa thero and Kotapola Amarakitti thero addressing the press conference in Colombo

Kotapola Amarakitti thero, who has been temporarily appointed as the secretary replacing Champika Ranawaka, expressed confidence that the current crisis of the party would be resolved soon.

"The Central Committee (CC) of the JHU decided to create a new constitution and appointed a constitutional committee" Amarakitti thero said addressing a media conference in Colombo.

While a group of JHU parliamentarians stress that the laity should also play a vital role in the party, some other monks disagree.

SU's founding leader joined UNP (Photo Elmo Fernando)

General Secretary of the JHU Uduwe Dhammloka thero has boycotted the recent CC meeting, apparently protesting the attempts to bring the laity back into the ranks.

It is also reported that Athuraliye Rathana thero, leader of the parliamentary group, opposed the removal of Ranawaka from the post of secretary.

Answering a question raised by BBC Sandeshaya, Rathana thero said that the party is going to explore the possibilities of laity also contesting under the JHU ticket in future elections.

"The CC and the advisory council decided not to have a conflict between monks and the laity in the party."

New secretary Amarakitti thero supported the view of the Rathana thero.

"We cannot stress only the monks should take control over the party. There are laymen even in a temple."

Party’s general secretary Uduwe Dhammaloka thero did not attend the press briefing.

The group led by Dhammaloka thero has informed the media that another press briefing to air their views will be held on Wednesday.