The Platform for Freedom is dismayed to hear that the Mahasanga Convention called by the Mahanayake theras of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters of Siyam Nikaya, Amarapura Nikaya and Ramanna Nikaya has been postponed. The Mahasanga Convention was to be held on 18 February 2010 where Buddhists monks were to discuss the uncertainty developing in the country. An announcement made on 16 February 2010 states that the convention is to be postponed due to security reasons.
The Platform for Freedom is concerned with the turn of events where a convention called by Buddhist monks is postponed for security reasons. Information received indicates that tactics have been used to intimidate those who wanted to have a discussion on the current situation in Sri Lanka including the unlawful arrest of General Sarath Fonseka. These unacceptable strategies are consistent with recent developments to suppress peaceful protests all over the country. This is a disturbing trend in a country where there is a history and culture of discussions and dissent. We condemn any threats and intimidation that was used for the postponement of this convention and request the Government to ensure the security of all those who want to peacefully discuss, debate and dissent.