A group of Buddhist monks, led by Dambara Amila Thera, has started a continuous fast opposite Town Hall Colombo, demanding President Maithripala Sirisena respect the Constitution and the January 08 mandate. 

The Civil Society Collective, which was instrumental in Sirisena's election campaign in January 2015, also joined the fast. 

The fast was launched, ironically, on the fourth anniversary of Sirisena's famous defection from the UPFA government, led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to become the Common Candidate of the opposition. 

Addressing a UNP-backed rally at Lipton Circus last week, Amila Thera announced his fast and pledged to "sacrifice his life" for the country.