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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The National Election Commission has issued a statement outlining activities that will be deemed misconduct during voting at the upcoming Local Government Elections. 

According to the Election Commission, the public has been urged to avoid taking photographs and videos of polling-related activities.

The public has also been informed to refrain from sharing photographs or videos of polling centres and marked ballots on social media. 

The Election Commission further states that using mobile phones, the possession of firearms, smoking and drinking, or entering the polling station under the influence of alcohol will be deemed misconduct.

The Local Government Election will be held tomorrow, 06 May 2025. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Public Security has opened a hotline for the public to file complaints against police officers in connection with their misconduct.

Issuing a statement, the Police Media Unit said that the 118 Emergency Hotline Unit is a special unit which is being operated by the Ministry of Public Security.

The general public may provide information on various crimes committed within the country, narcotics, etc. that should be brought to the notice of the police, through this hotline.

Furthermore, complaints against police officers in connection with their misconduct can also be informed through this 118 hotline.

The Police statement said the informants can provide information either while revealing their identity or remaining anonymous.

Stating that the hotline will be available 24 hours a day, the Police assured that the confidentiality of the information provided to the said hotline shall be maintained. (NewsWire)

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