Mahanayake theras say there is "uncertainty" over democracy in Sri Lanka

In an unprecedented move, the Mahanayake theras have called on all Buddhist monks from all over Sri Lanka to convene in Kandy on 18 February as the "uncertain situation" has been developed with regard to democracy and good governance.

In a letter sent to all Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka, Mahanayake theras of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters of Siyam Nikaya, Amarapura Nikaya and Ramanna Nikaya reminded the monks that they have "long been contributed to the progress of Sri Lanka."

Signatories to the letter Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala,Mahnanayake thero, Malwatta chapter Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha, Mahanayake thero, Asgiriya chapter Dawuldena Gnanissara,Mahanayake thero, Amarapura chapter Weweldeniye Medhalankara,Mahanayake thero, Ramanna chapter

The full text of the letter is as follows:

"Honourable Maha Sangha,

We believe that you all are already convinced that an uncertain situation has been developed in Sri Lanka with regard to the democracy and good governance. It is our understanding that this will be disastrous to the future of our country.

It is not our duty as Buddhist monks to be silent under these circumstances. Although the Buddhist monks have been long been contributed to the progress of this country you all might admit that it was somewhat challenged in recent times.

	Mahanayake theras' move is unprecedented in Sri Lanka

Considering these factors, we call upon you to take part, together with other Buddhist monks in the area, at historic Maha Maluwa in Kandy on 18 February at 3pm for a special conference of Buddhist monks under the auspicious of Mahanayake threas of three main chapters in order to find a common agreement to find a solution to the uncertainty in Sri Lanka and to re-establish democracy and the good governance."

The BBC's Charles Haviland in Colombo says that the monks’ statement is highly significant.