a mistake had been made in directly entering the political realm. Dhammaloka indicated that he personally believed that monks could have a more positive impact on Sri Lankan society by focusing on religious work, and that the current crop of monk-parliamentarians intended to "ensure that monks will not enter politics again" ("Monks"). It is unclear if Uduwe Dhammaloka and other ordained members of parliament will resign their positions, or if legislation will be introduced to restrict monks from standing for public office (as is currently the case in Thailand). Jathika Hela Urumaya supported President Mahinda Rajapakse in the presidential election in 2005. In 2007, the JHU officially became part of the Rajapakse Government with one of its Buddhist monk MP, Omalpe Thero resigning and in his place a lay member Champika Ranawaka being made an MP and then the Cabinet Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. 2014 In 2014 party decided to withdraw support to Mahinda Rajapaksha and support the common candidate Maithripala Sirisena backed by United National Party. In the 2015 general election party contested under the United National Party symbol elephant and won 3 seats. Champika Ranawaka was appointed as the Minister of Megalopolis and Western Development. Charges Against United States The JHU launched a campaign to collect one million signatures to petition United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki Moon to establish a commission to inquire into human rights violations committed by the United States. Ideology The party advocated the wiping out the LTTE by military force, and the party played a major role in making that dream a reality. It wants to maintain Sri Lanka's unitary constitution. The JHU is active against deforestation and is active to promote organic farming. The JHU have also been instrumental in implementing several policy programmes including a ban on smoking in public places and limitations in alcohol, banning of harmful pesticides, including the mandatory shut-down of liquor stores and ban on meat on Poya and other Buddhist festivals. Electoral history See also Buddhism in Sri Lanka Theravada Buddhism Champika Ranawaka References External links Official Web Site of Jathika Hela Urumaya An election statement from Jathika Hela Urumaya supporters Profile of the Jathika Hela Urumaya from Lankanewspapers.com Interview with leading members of the Jathika Hela Urumaya. February, 2004. News story describing tensions between monk-politicians and former Sihala Urumaya members Monks should stay out of Sri Lanka politics, says monk legislator 2004 establishments