Thero says plan is to infect leading Buddhist monks with HIV-AIDS

The leader of Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) told BBC Sandeshaya that he was informed of a plot to infect HIV - AIDS to Buddhist monks.

Ellawawala Medhananda thero said the conspiracy is an attempt to tarnish the image of the Buddhist monks who have vowed to celibacy.

Sexual activity

Asked how the monks would be infected without having engaged in sexual acts or using syringes that are infected, the leading monk said : "That is exactly the point I am making. They are trying to tarnish the name of the clergy by implying that monks engage in such acts".

We do not want to cover up anything. We are not involved in any such corrupt activity Medhananda thero

'Fundamentalist group of doctors', he said, is planning to infect monks using HIV infected blood to some leading monks.

Ellawala Medhananda thero categorically denied the accusations is an attempt to cover up in case if Buddhist monks found to have infected with HIV.

"We do not want to cover up anything. We are not involved in any such corrupt activity," he told BBCSinhala.com.

Car controversy

The JHU is accused of illegally selling party chief's permit to import luxury car to a businessman making Rs. Millions as profit.

	JHU leader is accused of illegally selling his luxury car

A senior JHU leader, Minister Champika Ranawaka, is also accused of abducting and threatening to kill the person who bought Medhananda thero's luxury car.

The JHU have denied accusations.

Nine JHU Buddhist monks were elected to the parliament in 2004 April general elections.

In Sri Lanka, It is illegal to sell duty free vehicles offered to parliamentarians before five years.