A group of monks including Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera and Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera had sent a letter to the President, Prime Minister and all MPs requesting not to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

The letter said that if some of the powers including police and land powers were transferred to the Provincial Councils, it would pose a grave threat to the national security and development of the country.

It also said that the 13th Amendment was forced by India and it was forcibly passed through Parliament as part of India’s defence and economic strategic plan.

The letter further said that it is necessary to increase exports and reduce state expenditure in order to alleviate the impact of the economic crisis but no one in the Cabinet including the President has presented any strategic plans to strengthen the local manufacturer.

They also requested not to fully implement the 13th Amendment without a referendum, to immediately prevent the sale of domestic resources and assets to foreigners, and to recover the wealth and resources lost to the country through corruption and tax evasion by politicians and officials over the past 15 years.

The letter is shown below.