Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe vowed that the UNP-led UNFGG would do "its utmost to preserve Theravada Buddhism", while speaking to monks at a conference in Battaramulla.
The prime minister pledged to set up a "dhamma council" to resolve issues affecting Buddhism.
"The current UNP led United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) and the next which would be a certainty, will do its utmost to preserve Theravada Buddhism", Mr Wickremesinghe said, urging the Mahanayake Theras of the four Chapters to take the lead in 'not only propagating but also preserving the goodness of their philosophy as ancient rulers such as Emperor Asoka had done', The Island reported.