The interim report of the special committee appointed to review and update prison regulations concerning Buddhist monks and other religious clergy has been submitted to the Secretary to the President, Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the report was handed over at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (14) by committee Chairperson Prince Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

The committee was appointed following discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Maha Sangha representing the three Buddhist Nikayas on October 8.

It was tasked with reviewing existing rules, regulations and standing orders under the Prisons Ordinance and submitting proposals for amendments within two weeks.

Accordingly, the committee has submitted revised proposals relating to regulations governing the imprisonment of Buddhist monks and other religious clergy.

The PMD said committee members Piyumanthi Peiris, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration; Wasantha Ariyaratne, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; R. M. G. Senaratne, Commissioner-General of Buddhist Affairs; and A. C. Gajanayake, a Commissioner of the Department of Prisons, were also present. (Newswire)

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Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for urgent reforms to safeguard Buddhism in Sri Lanka, warning that repeated allegations of misconduct involving members of the clergy are eroding public trust, particularly among young people.

In a special video statement, Kumaratunga said many people who love the country are deeply concerned by recent incidents involving Buddhist monks. She referred to reports of monks being arrested over alleged drug-related offences and allegations that a chief incumbent of eight prominent Buddhist temples had sexually abused a young girl over a period of two years.

She said such incidents have shaken the confidence of many Buddhists and warned that the loss of faith in religious institutions could have serious consequences for society, particularly among the younger generation.

Kumaratunga also expressed disappointment that, according to her, political leaders had largely remained silent on the issues despite its significance.

She said she had written to senior Buddhist prelates urging them to take the lead in introducing reforms within the Buddhist clergy. According to Kumaratunga, the proposal was received positively, and she suggested forming a committee comprising senior monks, civil society representatives and other religious leaders to recommend reforms.

The former President also called on the government to enact the necessary legal framework to implement the proposed recommendations, saying stronger mechanisms are needed to protect the Buddha Sasana and restore public confidence.

She urged the public not to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, stressing that safeguarding religious institutions is a shared responsibility of both leaders and citizens. (Newswire)

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