Prison rules to be revised over monks’ attire

A committee has been appointed in Sri Lanka to review prison regulations concerning Buddhist monks serving time in jail, including their right to wear their monastic robes when outside prison walls. Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara announced the proposal yesterday, following an interim report from the committee.

The report's main suggestion is to modify Prison Standing Order 356 with a new provision, 356(A). This would obligate prison staff to seek advice from the Department of Buddhist Affairs before removing a monk's robes upon their arrival at prison. The Commissioner of Prisons would have 10 days to inform the department and implement the necessary adjustments.

Another amendment to Departmental Order 550 would permit Buddhist monks to wear their robes whenever they are taken outdoors, unless their specific Nikaya formally withdraws this privilege. The committee has also suggested extending comparable arrangements, with necessary changes, to other religious clergy in prison. These proposals stem from concerns over the handling of Ven.

Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera after his arrest. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake subsequently consulted leaders from the three main Buddhist Nikayas and convened the committee to scrutinize the current legal framework. However, the UNP has criticized the government's decision to establish the committee, deeming it unnecessary.

They argue that the procedures for this matter are already clearly outlined in the Department of Prisons' Standing Orders, rendering the committee's appointment superfluous. The UNP also pointed out remarks by Professor G.L. Peiris, Convenor of the Janathawadi Joint Opposition, who dismissed the committee's appointment as a "complete eyewash" and questioned the need for such a move.