An important message to JHU Voters
by Deepika Wijeyesekera

26 March 2004

Dear Voter,

With reference to the TNL programme “Janahanda” hosted by Chamuditha, on the 25th of March 2004 and continuing into the early hours of the 26th , the following points have been selected for your notice.

1. On the 1st of April, posters are to be put up stating the resignation of the JHU monks. Please DO NOT BE MISLED by these as they are merely cunning ploys of power-hungry politicians. The JHU will, ON NO ACCOUNT, resign. Rumours, thugs, bribes, death-threats, possible death and whatever that may come will most definitely not deter the JHU and “a step, once taken forwards, will not be retrieved to turn and run backwards.” The focus is very firmly on building a “Dharma Rajjya” (Kingdom of the Doctrine.)

2. Organisations other than the JHU are holding meetings by the same name (i.e. they too are called “Bodhu Samaluwa.”) Once again, do not be misled.

3. A political party having the betel leaf ("bulath" leaf) as its symbol is trying to trick people into voting for them by saying their symbol is the "bo-leaf." Please be careful of these imposters. They do not stand for the Sinhalese Buddhists.

4. 600 saffron robes have been purchased from a shop in Pettah. It is believed that these will be used to create “imitation monks” who will project a poor image to discourage people from voting for the JHU. Such incidents have already happened. So Sri Lankans, be alert.

5. Certain monks who support political parties have been bad-mouthing the JHU and warning people that voting for the JHU is a sin that will cause them to suffer in hell. It was referred to as “Ananthariya Papa Kamma” by these monks so as to scare the gullible public. Once again, please do not jump to conclusions upon hearing such stories. These are all attempts to mislead the public. Ven. Kollonnawe Sri Sumangala Thero explained the 5 "Ananthariya Papa Kamma:"

1. Killing one’s mother

2. Killing one’s father

3. Causing a Buddha’s blood to be shed

4. Killing arahaths

5. “Sangha Bedhay”

Out of these 5, it is the last point about which the general public are frightened of. Ven. Sri Sumangala Thero clearly stated that a layman CANNOT commit the 5th sin. (“Sangha Bedhay” is not about a layman creating problems between monks.) The 5th sin can only be committed by a monk himself.

6. False rumours have been spread such as announcing a monk’s resignation. Other rumours include those that defame the JHU (fling mud), those that condemn “JHU thugs” even though no such thugs exist and no, the JHU monks themselves did not beat anybody up!

7. The JHU is not a cat’s paw of any other political party and the seats won by the JHU will not be handed to laymen.

8. Finally, I would like to repeat what Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero said. On the 2nd of April (Election Day), please cast your vote with care as there as other symbols that may look similar to the JHU symbol. The symbol of the JHU is the conch shell or “hak gediya.” Please read the party name “Jathika Hela Urumaya” on the left of the symbol to be 100% sure. Then mark your “X” on the right side of the “hak gediya.” There are no preferential votes (“manapey”) for the JHU so do not waste your time searching around for numbers to tick. Please do not panic. Remain calm and vote correctly. (I add, “especially the aged persons – wear your glasses without fail.” No offence intended )

With much happiness, I would also like to inform readers that many Christians and Muslims have shown their support for the JHU. This is highly appreciated and it is also a very sensible act. Sceptical and unpatriotic Sinhala Buddhists who talk about the JHU being racist and religiously extremist, please learn a good lesson from these Christians and Muslims who support the JHU! Catholic fathers have phoned to say that the protection of their religion is certain in a “Dharma Rajjya.” The late Father Mercilene Jayakody is another famous example.

So, long live the JHU and may all Sri Lankans unite in the building of the “Dharma Rajjya!!!” There can be no better place on earth than that.

Theruwan Saranai!