Minister Directs Amendments to Prison Rules on Buddhist Monks Wearing Robes

Justice and National Integration Minister Attorney Harshana Nanayakkara today (14) made a special statement at the Ministry of Justice regarding the recommendations in the interim report submitted by a committee appointed to update the rules, regulations and standing orders under the Prisons Ordinance.

The Minister said that a special discussion was held on October 8, 2024, between the President and Buddhist monks representing the Mahanayake Theros of the three Buddhist Nikayas regarding the circumstances surrounding the imprisonment of Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero.

Making further remarks, the Minister said:

“A discussion was held on October 8, 2024, under the leadership of the President, with Buddhist monks representing the Mahanayake Theros of the three Buddhist Nikayas regarding the circumstances that arose when Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero was imprisoned. I also participated in the discussion, along with Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

“Based on the matters discussed, it was decided that a committee should be appointed to update the Prisons Ordinance and the standing orders and regulations issued under it.

“Accordingly, the President appointed a committee to update the rules, regulations and standing orders made under the Prisons Ordinance.

“W. P. Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was appointed as the chairman of the committee. The other members included 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; Gamini Senarathna, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs; and A. C. Gajanayake, Commissioner of Prisons.

“During the discussion, the President assured the Venerable Buddhist monks that steps would be taken to resolve the issue within two weeks.

“Accordingly, the committee has now submitted an interim report to the President. I have received a copy of the report from the President’s Secretary.

“Based on the recommendations in the report, amendments have been proposed to Prison Standing Order 356, including the introduction of a new section numbered 356(a). An interim provision has also been proposed to amend Departmental Order 550.

“Under these proposals, when a Buddhist monk is imprisoned as an inmate, the Commissioner of Prisons will be given 10 days to inform the Department of Buddhist Affairs regarding the removal of the robes the monk was wearing and to take the necessary action accordingly.

“Similarly, if a member of the clergy of another religion is imprisoned, these provisions must be suitably amended and applied to that situation.

“An amendment will also introduce a new section to Standing Order 550, clarifying the circumstances under which a Buddhist monk may leave prison. If a Buddhist monk is permitted to leave prison for any reason, the monk will be given full permission to wear the robes during that period.

“This right will remain in place until a request to the contrary is received from the relevant party or the monk’s Nikaya. These two provisions form the core of the proposed amendments.

“I have now forwarded the interim committee report to the Acting Commissioner General of Prisons.

“Accordingly, I have instructed him to amend the existing standing orders currently in force in line with the recommendations outlined in the report.”

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