Mahanayake theras say the conference is postponed due to current situation in Sri Lanka

Four Mahanayake theras of three main Buddhist sects last week called for a special gathering of Buddhist monks to discuss the "uncertainty" developing in the country.

In an unprecedented move, the Mahanayake theras invited Buddhist monks from all over Sri Lanka to convene in Kandy on 18 February as the "uncertain situation" has 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."

'Release' Fonseka

But the four Mahanayake theras, in a statement, say the meeting has been indefinitely postponed due to the "current situation" in Sri Lanka.

"Considering the current situation in the country and the safety of the Buddhist monks and the Buddhists to be gathered at the premises of Temple of Tooth Relic, we hereby inform all Buddhist monks that the proposed conference is indefinitely postponed," it said.

As the government accepted and offered ministerial posts and provided security to Vinayagamurthy Muralitharan (Karuna) and Chandrakathan (Pillayan) who were regarded as brutal terrorists who have assassinated Buddhist monks, destroyed Buddhist temples including the Temple of Tooth Relic and Sri Maha Bodhi tree, killing civilians as well as army personnel, and other serious terrorist activities, we urge you to use your presidential powers to acquit from all charges, release and provide security to Gen Fonseka and the group who served the motherland risking their lives to safeguard the sovereignty of the motherland and save peoples lives Mahanayake theras' letter to the president

In a separate letter sent to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the four Mahanayake theras have urged him to release Gen Sarath Fonseka who is currently under military custody.

"Under no circumstances can we approve the arrest of the former army commander Gen Sarath Fonseka and a group of army officers who served the country risking their lives for making certain statements as a rival candidate at the presidential elections campaign and other reasons," the letter sent on 11 February said.

"As the government accepted and offered ministerial posts and provided security to Vinayagamurthy Muralitharan (Karuna) and Chandrakathan (Pillayan) who were regarded as brutal terrorists who have assassinated Buddhist monks, destroyed Buddhist temples including the Temple of Tooth Relic and Sri Maha Bodhi tree, killing civilians as well as army personnel, and other serious terrorist activities, we urge you to use your presidential powers to acquit from all charges, release and provide security to Gen Fonseka and the group who served the motherland risking their lives to safeguard the sovereignty of the motherland and save peoples lives."

It is not known whether President Rajapaksa has responded to the letter.