JHU of Sri Lanka likely to quit the government?

(July 05, 2009) Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) the monk dominated Sinhala Buddhist nationalist-religious political party of Sri Lanka is likely to revoke its support to the government following a meeting with the President Mahinda Rajapakse tomorrow, the observers say.

The party is under pressure due to the government's proclaimed stance on implementing the 13th amendment of the constitution fully that devolves the police and land powers to the Provincial Councils. The government has to take this minimal measure to mend its relationships with the Western powers and the neighboring India that urge the government to redress the political problems of the Tamils.

JHU's power contender Marxist nationalist People's Liberation Front (JVP) has already taken a hardline stand against the 13th amendment. JHU is in fear of losing its Sinhala nationalist vote base as a result of being a coalition partner of a government that devolves power to Tamils.

However, at present, the JHU is not in a position to go to a direct clash with the all powerful President, the observers say. Their stand will mostly be catalized by the actions the JVP will take against the 13th amendment, they say.