Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya and the Mahanayaka Thera of the Ramangna Maha Nikaya writing to UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe have expressed their satisfaction over the assurance given by him on safeguarding the unitary nature of the state.

Most Ven. Udugama Sri Ratanapala Buddharakkithabidana Maha Nayaka Thera of the Asgiriya chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya in his letter to the UNP leader said:

"We were glad to receive your letter stating that the unitary nature of the state will be safeguarded. We also appreciate the written pledge given by the United National Front under your leadership on protecting the motherland without dividing it."

Most Ven. Weweldeniye Medhalankara Mahanayaka Thera of the Sri Ramangna Nikaya in his letter said:

"We are satisfied with the assurance given in your reply regarding our query about the stand of your party on the solution to the ethnic problem. We appreciate the guarantee given by you to us on protecting the unitary nature of the motherland, going in the footsteps of the past leaders of your party who have not hesitated to sacrifice their lives to protect a unitary Sri Lanka."

UNP spokesman Karunasena Kodituwakku yesterday said that the state media is still engaged in spreading the canard of a "UNP-LTTE agreement" despite the acceptance by the Most Venerable Mahanayaka theras the assurance given by UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on safeguarding the unitary nature of the state. (KA)