The Mahanayaka Theras have, in a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, urged him not to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution as it will have a devastating impact on the country.

The prelates have said that the act of granting the Provincial Councils powers over land, police and historical monuments is tantamount to encouraging separatism.

“Your predecessors did not implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution because they were aware of the devastating impact this would have on the country. The Executive President is there to safeguard the people’s sovereignty. You will face people’s wrath by carrying out activities that weaken the central government,” the Maha Nayake Theras have said, noting that Sri Lanka needs the assistance of the world powers to overcome the current crisis. However, the proposals that undermine the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country must be rejected.

“We faced many difficulties during the war. The government must do more to develop the North and East and uplift the livelihood of people who faced the most damage. Politicians who come from those parts hold Cabinet posts and can do a lot to develop these areas. At such a time, fully implementing the 13th amendment will create confusion.

The signatories to the letter are Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, Mahanayaka Thera of the

Malwatte chapter of Siam Nikaya, Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya chapter of Siam Nikaya, Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thera, Mahanayaka of Amarapura Nikaya and Ven. Makulewe Wimalaabhidana Thera, Mahanayake Thera of Ramanna Maha Nikaya.