Bikkhu Front begins fast in Colombo

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 08 June 2005, 09:53 GMT]
National Bhikku Front (NBF) Wednesday morning started a fast unto death campaign in front of Fort Railway Station, Colombo, protesting against the signing of Joint Mechanism proposal between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The proposal spells out administrative and funds disbursement arrangement for rehabilitation and reconstruction of tsunami destroyed coastal areas in the Northeast province.



Buddhist monks fast against Joint Mechanism in front of Fort Station



Seven monks including convener of NBF Rev. Kalawelgala Chandaloka Thera and Advisor of NBF Prof. Rev. Attanagalay Ratnapala thera are participating in the campaign.

The large banner displayed at the scene said "Withdraw the Joint Mechanism offered state power to the tigers; Maha Sangha at fast unto death."

Before beginning the fast the monks swore in front of a small Buddha statue at the Fort Station that they will continue the fast until the Sri Lanka's President, Chandrika Kumaratunge abandons her decision to sign the Joint Mechanism proposal, sources said.