Parliamentarian Athuraliye Rathna Thera launched a hunger strike in Kandy a short while ago demanding the removal of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Western Province Governor Azath Salley and Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M. Hizbullah.

The hunger strike is being staged in front of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.

Rathana Thera has demanded the removal of the three politicians due to their alleged links with Islamist militants.

Rathana Thera, officially a UNP national list Parliemantarian, is now a supporter of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Both Hizbullah and Salley were appointed to Governor posts By President Sirisena earlier this year.