Not appropriate for clergy to contest at the general election : Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thero

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect, Ven. Medagoda Dhammananda Thero, making a statement to the media today stated that monks should not contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thero stated that there is an increase of Buddhist monks attempting to enter Parliament. Thero emphasized that monks must not come forward to contest elections under this government. Thero stated that they have already informed the UNP and the current Government of their decision and they will inform the other parties as well. Meanwhile, Ven. Walawahangunawave Dhammarathana Thero, Chief Incumbent of Mihinthale Rajamaha Viharaya stated that they advise against voting for the Buddhist monks in the elections. Thero added that one of the monks is using a dog as his symbol and Thero questioned whether a pupil of Lord Buddha's teaching could adopt another symbol other than the Dharmachakra. "We urge the President and all political parties to refrain from taking Buddhist monks to political affairs," Thero concluded.