July 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka's ruling coalition party Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), led by a Buddhist monk Omalpe Sobhitha Thero and a layman, Minister of Power and Energy Champika Ranawaka, charges that the US and the Tamil Diaspora are behind the UN Secretary-General's panel on the accountability issues of Sri Lanka, and the questioning of country's human rights.

Issuing a press release, the monk leader of the JHU Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero points out that the US attempt to take Sri Lanka into their road map and agenda via punishing and diplomatic acts.

JHU protested the US Assistant Secretary on South Asia Robert Blake's statement that Sri Lanka needs to implement 13th and 17th amendments to the Constitution.

The 13th amendment to the Constitution introduced Provincial Council system to Sri Lanka in 1987. But the government of Sri Lanka hesitates to vest in full powers to the Provincial Councils.

The 17th amendment to the Constitution has formed a Constitutional Council which is empowered to appoint independent commissions to govern vital bodies such as judiciary, police, elections, and public service.

The JHU leader highlights to the US that the implementation of these constitutional amendments is Sri Lanka's sovereign task.