Sajith Premadasa Says Sangha Councils, Not Laypeople, Have Authority Over Buddhist Robes

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has said that the authority to confer and remove Buddhist robes rests with the Sangha councils and the Maha Sangha, not laypeople, stressing the need to respect Buddhist monks and protect the robe under all circumstances.

He said the Maha Sangha was the backbone of the Buddha Sasana and that religious beliefs and practices must always be respected. Premadasa stated that he personally respects and follows Buddhism and honours Buddhist monks and the robes they wear. He added that no individual or institution, regardless of its authority, should interfere with the robe.

He also stressed that protecting the country's unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty requires safeguarding Buddhism while ensuring protection and respect for other religions, communities and cultures.

Premadasa recalled that former President Ranasinghe Premadasa had established a Cabinet-level ministry for Buddhist affairs while providing state ministries for other religions and ethnic communities, putting this approach into practice.

He said the responsibility for conferring and removing the robes belonged to the Maha Sangha and the relevant Sangha councils, adding that the country's national unity, harmony and cohesion must be protected sincerely. He also said he would not interfere in the judicial process.

The Opposition Leader made these remarks while attending the Daham Sisu Abhiman 2026 programme at the Colombo District Secretariat, where prizes and certificates worth Rs. 1.2 million were presented to children who had won Dhamma school competitions.

Outdated Laws Should Be Reviewed

Premadasa said that if existing laws had become outdated, they should be reviewed with wisdom and compassion. He argued that old laws could be amended or repealed without unnecessary delays and that such action was important for national unity. He expressed regret that this need was not being properly understood.

Religion Should Not Be Used for Political Purposes

He criticised the use of Buddhism for political purposes, stating that religion should not be exploited to achieve political objectives.

Premadasa urged those who engage in politics centred on religion to instead contribute to developing temples, Dhamma schools and Pirivenas across the country.

Religious Education Should Build a Moral Generation

Premadasa said Sri Lanka's civilisation had developed around the interconnected concepts of the tank, dagoba, village and temple. This tradition, he noted, supported agriculture, irrigation and other economic activities within communities.

He said the teachings of the Buddha promote peace, unity, compassion, loving-kindness, hospitality, mutual understanding, generosity and selflessness. These values should be passed on to children, while the older generation should also draw inspiration from them, he said.

He called for the development of a society that is morally upright, civilised, law-abiding, just and respectful of ethical values.

Call for a Society Based on Non-Violence and Truth

Premadasa said everyone should work towards building a country where non-violence, truthfulness, wisdom, compassion and loving-kindness prevail.

Referring to classical Sinhala literary works, including Pujawaliya, Amavathura, Buthsarana, Kavsilumina, Saddharmarathnawaliya, Muvadevdavatha, Sasadavatha and the Jataka texts, he said Sri Lanka should draw on its literary and spiritual heritage to strengthen morality, spirituality and a sense of justice.

He added that following the teachings of the Buddha could help people achieve the civilised society, prosperity, happiness and affection they aspire to.

Dhamma Schools Should Produce Responsible Citizens

Premadasa called for greater support for the country's temple network and Dhamma education system. He cited figures of 14,129 temples, 10,347 Dhamma schools, 824 Pirivenas and 327 divisional Sasana protection councils.

He proposed expanding competitions beyond the district level to include divisional Sasana protection council competitions, with financial rewards for children who achieve success at different levels. Such incentives, he said, could encourage more children to attend Dhamma schools and help produce responsible and morally grounded citizens.

Calls for Practical Commitment to Buddhism

Premadasa said people should be practical Buddhists rather than limiting their commitment to words. He argued that service to Buddhism should be translated into practical development initiatives.

He said he had provided full sponsorship for the Colombo District competitions in 2024, 2025 and 2026, demonstrating his support for the promotion of Dhamma education.