President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that a committee would be appointed to introduce new standing orders and regulations by amending existing laws governing the detention of Buddhist monks within prisons and the procedures for transporting them outside prison premises. The President made these remarks today (08) while participating in a special discussion with the Maha Sangha at the Presidential Secretariat.
He further stated that the committee would comprise representatives from the Attorney General’s Department, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Administration, the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs, prison officials, and the Commissioner General of Prisons.
Additionally, the President noted that the committee would be tasked with studying the matter and proposing amendments within two weeks, and that any aspects affecting Buddhist monks would be discussed with the Maha Sangha to facilitate appropriate revisions. The President pointed out that he was not prepared to issue orders for the benefit of specific individuals when existing laws already cover the matter; he emphasized that if a law is not suited to current times, the proper course of action is to enact appropriate legislation.
This discussion was held to address the letter sent by the Mahanayake Theros to the Commissioner of Prisons regarding the Prison Department’s action of removing the robes of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero and presenting him in court in lay attire, as well as to discuss the resulting public sentiment and future measures to prevent such situations. The President expressed his gratitude to the Maha Sangha for accepting his invitation and participating in the discussion.