Pivithuru Hela Urumaya today filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the Theravadi Kathikavath Bill presented to Parliament recently.

Through the petition, the PHU requests the Supreme Court to direct the government to hold a referendum on the bill.

The bill was criticized by a considerable number of Buddhists clergy, which forced the government to announce that it will be presented to the Chief Prelates of the Three Nikayas for their perusal.

Meanwhile, President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said that the bill will be enacted only with the blessings of the clergy.