From Cyril Wimalasurandre
KANDY — The Mahanayake Theros of Malwatte and Asgiriya on Monday (06) afternoon conferred their blessings on the Sihala Urumaya (SU) efforts to bring together the main political Parties — the UNP and the PA to form a government of Friendship (a government of national reconcileation as a panacea for the existing crisis.

The Sihala Urumaya leader Tilak Karunaratne called on the Vens. Rambukwella Sri Vipassi and Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Mahanayake Theros of Malwatte and Asgiriya chapters of the Siam Maha Nikaya respectively to convey the endeavours of the party to link the two major political groups for the formation of a government of national reconciliation.

Tilak Karunaratne explaining the motive of the Sihala Urumaya for trying to reconcile the two waring groups that have been ruling the country one after the other, said that at elections the two parties collected at least 93 percent of the Sinhala population votes.

Then why should not the two parties join hands to share the administration of the country, Karunaratne asked?

Karunaratne explained the formula drafted by the Sihala Urumaya to lead an administration by the two major political parties with due recognition to the minority political parties and communities.

The formula was to be implemented in five stages by the ‘government of friendship’ that should continue for at least four to five years contrary to the concept of a probationary government which could be no-stable government, which could break down at any moment when a supporting minority group falls out and says goodbye, Karunaratne said.

He said that he had had discussions with the United National Party leadership on the formula and the response was satisfactory.

The Sihala urumaya was expecting to hold discussions with President Kumaratunge.

The Mahanayake of Malwatte Ven. Ramubkavelle Sri Vipassi Thero said he was in full agreement with the motive of the Sihala Urumaya and said.

"This is what we have been saying throughout the years. These leaders should join hands, to save the race, religion and the country".

"The country has already fallen into the worst type of dungeon. Before the annihilation of the race these two major groups must merge and run the administration, Sri Vipassi Mahanayake Thero said conferring his blessing on the efforts of the Sihala Urumaya.

After giving a hearing to the explanations of the Sihala Urumaya leader Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakhitha Mahanayake Thero of Asgiriya said that the bane of the Sinhala race, Buddhism and the integrity of the country was the enmity and disunity among the Sinhala political leadership.

The differences and divisions among the Sinhala political leaders widened since the country gained independence" he said.

The prelate expressed his desire to see the two major political parties give up their differences and join hands to form a national administration.

The prelate praised the Sihala Urumaya for its endeavour to make the two parties friendly and hoped that their efforts were fruitful.

Ven. Galagama Attadassi Anunayake Thero was associated with the Mahanayake Thero.

Sihala Urumaya Kandy branch Secretary Dr. Sarath Ruberu Treasurer Rosy Bandaranayake and Dr. Ranjith Wijeywardena accompanied the SU leader Tilak Karunaratne in the mission.