President has explained the JM in detail to Mahanayakes

Four Buddhist Mahanayakes (chief prelates) after long discussion with President Kumaratunga have agreed to have further discussions on a mechanism to share relief aid with the rebels.

The prelates were airlifted to president’s house on the invitation of President Kumaratunga.

No deadline

Secretary to the president WJS Karunarathne told BBC Sinhala Service (BBC Sandeshaya) that the prelates carefully listened to president’s explanation that the JM would not harm the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.

President has assured the leading monks that there was no deadline set for the signing of the deal contrary to media reports.

President Kumaratunga has promised to take a final decision after further discussions with the Buddhist leaders, Karunarathne said.

The monks were assured that the proposed mechanism will only limited to the tsunami affected coastal areas and it will only be effective for one year.

Hartal in Kandy

Chief Prelates Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake thero of the Malwatta chapter of the Siyam Nikaya, Veweldeniye Medhalankara of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya, Davuldena Sri Gnanissara Mahanayake thero and Veligama Sri Gnarathana thero of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikaya have attended the meeting.

Udugama Sri Buddharakkkhita Mahanayake thero, Mahanayake thero of the Asgiriya chapter of the Siyam Nikaya, did not attend the meeting.

Karunarathne said the president requested the Mahanayakes to urge Omalpe Sobhita thero, who is conducting a fast in the Tample of the Tooth in Kandy, to abandon the fast.

Streets of Kandy were deserted on Friday as Hartal was observed in support of the fast.