Buddhist monk contesting in the Presidential poll in Sri Lanka
Colombo (UJI): The Janasetha Peramuna (JP), one of the newly formed political parties recognized by the Commissioner of Election, has decided to field a Buddhist monk Ven. Battaramulle Seelaratana Thera, as its candidate to contest the Presidential Election expected to be held in January 26, 2010. He is also the Chairman of Janasetha Peramuna. This will be the first time in the political history of Sri Lanka that a Buddhist monk will be contesting a presidential election under the own party symbol of tractor. Ven. Thera in his media interview said that his party JP would be fielding candidates for the forthcoming provincial council election as well as Parliamentary poll.

We have been in the process of setting up party offices and appointing organizers to strengthen our base island-wide. The JP opted only for honest people capable of doing a job of work with profound commitment to represent the party. "We need those who can render selfless service to ease human suffering. We will not condone dishonesty, injustice” he said.

The JP continues to forge ahead to serve the poor masses without any support or assistance for any other political party. Among his main pledges are giving the Buddhism foremost place, guarantee the equal rights of all communities (Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and other ethnic groups), making Sinhala, Tamil and English state languages, as well as implementing an economic policy based on agriculture.