Buddhist Affairs Ministry Discusses New Measures on Imprisoned Monks and Sangha Disciplin

The Ministry of Buddha Sasana has held a media briefing outlining proposed legal amendments concerning imprisoned Buddhist monks, monastic discipline and the protection of Buddhist religious sites across Sri Lanka.

The briefing followed discussions at a meeting of the Buddhist Sasana Council, where officials and Buddhist clergy considered measures to address issues involving monks in prison and the administration of religious discipline.

Venerable Medagama Dhammananda Thero said the discussions covered imprisoned monks, security-related matters and national issues. He explained that the council's role was to advise the government and develop appropriate measures to protect the Buddha Sasana.

Venerable Balapitiye Sirisiwala Thero said a five-member committee had been established by the President to examine how legal procedures concerning imprisoned monks should be implemented. He said decisions taken at the council meeting had been approved, including arrangements for notifying the relevant monastic chapter when a monk is imprisoned.

Under the proposed arrangements, prison authorities would be able to act according to recommendations from the relevant Sangha council or monastic chapter. Further discussions are expected to determine how the amendments will be implemented and how monastic discipline can be strengthened.

He added that the council had also discussed the protection and maintenance of archaeological sites in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Concerns were raised about individuals claiming to represent the Maha Sangha despite having had their monastic status revoked by certain Buddhist chapters.

Meanwhile, Minister Indunil Sunil Senevi said the process began following public discussion surrounding the imprisonment of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and the President's views on the matter.

He explained that a five-member committee had made two principal recommendations concerning the treatment of imprisoned monks. One proposed amendment would require prison authorities to notify the relevant monastic chapter when a monk is imprisoned. Another provision would address the wearing of monastic robes when a monk is taken outside prison for court proceedings or other official purposes.

The minister said Venerable Gnanasara Thero was scheduled to be brought before court on October 23 for another case. He added that the prison authorities had sought clarification from the relevant monastic leadership regarding the matter, prompting the President to intervene and request guidance under the proposed arrangements.

Senevi also rejected reports suggesting that the government intended to alter the Ruwanwelisaya premises in Anuradhapura, remove its flower altars or construct a kovil there. He described such reports as misleading and said no such changes were planned.

Responding to questions about the removal of the robes of monks accused of misconduct, the minister said further decisions would depend on amendments to the relevant legislation. He noted that changes to the Buddhist temporalities and related legal framework could give Sangha councils greater authority to address disciplinary matters.

The minister also expressed hope that Venerable Gnanasara Thero might eventually receive a pardon and be released, while emphasising that the President is also subject to the law.

The discussions highlighted the government's stated intention to consider changes to the legal framework governing monastic discipline, prison procedures involving Buddhist monks and the administration of Buddhist religious affairs.