Addressing the media at the National Library, JHU Western Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila said his party would take on the bill head on and challenge Rajapakshe on the bill on all fronts. “The religious leaders of the Buddhist community only live by the laws prescribed by Lord Buddha himself and will not bow to the laws of others,” he said.

Speaking at the news conference, JHU President Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera also invited the UNP parliamentarian to participate in an open debate on the matter.

JHU General Secretary and Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said it was the noble monks who protected the country at difficult times. “In 2004 the political culture changed dramatically when the monks entered main stream politics,” he said.

The bill was seen by the JHU as a serious impeachment on the rights of the Buddhist clergy in the country.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka