Sri Lanka President Kumaratunga promises Buddhist High Priests

President Kumaratunga promises Buddhist High Priests
"Political Package will not be finalised until war is over"

The Sinhala owned Sri Lanka Sunday Leader published in Colombo reported on 6 August 1995:

"With the official release of the political package by the Government last week, factors which would ultimately result in its inevitable demise also surfaced in no small measure...both President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Justice Minister made their way to Kandy on Saturday July 29 to explain what was in store to (the Buddhist High Priests) the Mahanayakas of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters...

The Maha Nayaka of Asgiriya, Ven.Palipane Chandananda pointedly asked whether the Prime Minister Mrs.Srima Bandaranaike had seen it (the political package). No answer was forthcoming. ....

The Mahanayakas said in no uncertain terms that they cannot agree in any way to changing the unitary character of the State... Furthermore the high priests said devolving powers on land to regional councils was totally unacceptable and so also was the setting up of regional police forces and permitting councils an independent right to negotiate foreign loans."

"In any event they said the Government must not approve any package until the war is concluded. To that the President agreed...The President also requested the Maha Nayakas not to issue any statement at this stage lest it causes problems which could affect the war effort..."

"...(later) both Mrs.Kumaratunga and Professor Peiris explained to (the Prime Minister) Mrs.Bandaranaike what was envisaged in the Package and the discussions with the Maha Nayakas.... Mrs.Bandaranaike made no commitment on the proposals save to say the final package which finds approval should not be implemented until the war is over..."

Chandrika's 'Devolution Proposals'