"If not an order of the Sangha will be issued for congregation of people led by maha sangha.", a statement issued by them said.

The Maha Nayaka theras said the condition of the Ven.Dr.Omalpe Sobhita thera's condition is serious. The thera began a fast opposing the joint mechanism on Monday, the 6th.

Chief prelates(Sanghanayakas) of the three Buddhist chapters say they strongly protest against the proposed joint mechansim or any tsunami relief deal with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE).

The Sanghanayas, the Ven.Udugama Buddharakkitha Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter, the Ven.Thibbotuwawe Sumangala Thera of the Malwatte Chapter, the Ven.Wewaldeniye Medhalankara Thero of the Ramanna Chapter and the Ven.Davuldena Gnanissara of the Amerapura chapter issued a signed statement today expressing their decision.

They say they stongly oppose to the signing of the agreement by the government with the LTTE which is a nationalistic,terrorist and separtist organisation without consulting the representative public institutions.

"People in the western,northern, eastern and southern coastal belts were affected by the tsunami disaster and became helpless. Rehabilitation of all of them have to be carried out by a united decision by the members of parliament.", the statement said.

Destruction of Buddha Statues

"LTTE is destroying the Buddha statues in Vavuniya, Trincomalee, and several other places in the east. The goernment should take an active role to stop these activities by the LTTE by which Buddhists' rights to their religion and right to live are being deprived."

The Maha Nayaka Thera of the Ramanna Nikaya, the Ven.Wewaldeniye Medhalankara thera told Sandesaya that this letter was meant to open up president's eye on to what is said to be taking place in the north and east and take appropriate action.

"I went to see the fasting monk today. The fast is to oppose the govdernent's move to give undue powers to LTTE. Also to protest against destruction of Buddha statues by LTTE.", the Mahanayaka thera said.

"I believe President will look into this situation", Thera added.