Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka Ask President to Dissolve Parliament
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COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — This nation’s Buddhist monks have called on the government to dissolve Parliament immediately and hold presidential and parliamentary elections under a caretaker regime to help restore peace on the island.
Their letter, dated Oct. 20 and released to the press Saturday, was sent to President Junius R. Jayewardene by the four chief prelates on behalf of the island’s 25,000 monks.
They also urged the government to take “meaningful steps” acceptable to all citizens after discussions with various party leaders to conduct fair elections.
Leaders of seven main opposition parties made similar demands at a meeting with Jayewardene on Friday.
The demand for dissolution of Parliament comes amid tension following daily political killings and anti-government strikes and protests blamed on Marxist rebels.
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