1.   But instead of paving the way to peace, the Jaffna victory stiffened opposition among Sinhalese hardliners and the powerful Buddhist clergy to making political concessions to the Tamils.

2.   But the move was criticized by the powerful Sinhalese Buddhist clergy.

3.   Most Sinhalese and the powerful Buddhist clergy oppose peace talks with the rebels.

4.   President Chandrika Kumaratunga is under pressure from the powerful Buddhist clergy to smash the rebels before presenting her package to parliament.

5.   The politically powerful Buddhist clergy consider themselves an important stake-holder in the affairs of the state.

6.   The powerful Buddhist clergy is opposed to lifting of ban or giving concessions to the rebels.

7.   The president said she needed more time to consult opposition leaders and the powerful Buddhist clergy.

8.   The rally was organised by the powerful conservative clergy in Iran.

9.   The government has remained silent on the monetary crisis despite mounting pressure from newspapers, the powerful clergy and parliament.

10.   The government has remained silent toward the situation, despite mounting pressure to act from the press, the parliament and the powerful clergy.