Ranawaka Questions Prison Authority to Remove Robes of Buddhist Monk

Former Parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka has questioned whether prison authorities have the legal or religious authority to remove the robes of a Buddhist monk who has not been found to have committed any of the four Parajika offences.

In a special statement concerning Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, Ranawaka said that although anyone sentenced by a court must be subject to the law, the authority to remove a Buddhist monk’s robes rests with the relevant monastic community rather than prison officials or the Government.

He argued that if a monk has not committed any of the four Parajika offences — traditionally regarded as offences resulting in loss of monastic status — prison authorities have no authority to remove the monk’s robes.

Historical precedents

Ranawaka referred to several historical incidents involving Buddhist monks who were imprisoned during the British colonial period.

He cited the case of Ven. Udukendawala Saranankara Thera, who, according to Ranawaka, objected when an attempt was made to remove his robes while he was imprisoned. The monk reportedly argued that as he had received his robes before the wider Sangha community, the authority to remove them also rested with the Sangha. Ranawaka said that following the intervention of then Justice Minister D.B. Jayatilaka, the monk was permitted to remain in prison wearing his robes.

He also referred to Ven. Kudapola Rahula Thera, claiming that the British authorities attempted to remove his robes before he was executed and that the monk strongly opposed the move.

Ranawaka said the case of Ven. Somarama Thera, who was convicted of assassinating former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, was different because the monk had been involved in a killing — one of the four Parajika offences — and subsequently converted to Christianity.

Religious rights and constitutional protection

Ranawaka further argued that Buddhist monks should be afforded religious rights while in prison in the same way that prisoners belonging to other religions are permitted to retain certain religious symbols and attire.

He said the religious rights of Gnanasara Thera should be protected under fundamental human rights and Article 9 of the Constitution, which provides constitutional recognition and protection to Buddhism.

Ranawaka called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government to intervene immediately, taking into consideration the guidance issued by the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha.

He also called on the Maha Sangha and the public to come forward to safeguard religious rights and justice in the country.