A special committee reviewing prison regulations has recommended amendments that would allow imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear their robes when required to leave prison premises for official purposes.
The recommendations were included in an interim report handed over to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday.
Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, said the committee had proposed revising Prison Regulation 356 by introducing a new provision, 356A, and issuing an interim order to amend Departmental Order 550.
Under the proposed changes, the Commissioner General of Prisons would be given ten days to consult the Department of Buddhist Affairs and take appropriate action regarding the removal of robes when a Buddhist monk is admitted to prison. Similar provisions could also be introduced for clergy from other religions who are imprisoned.
The committee has further recommended allowing Buddhist monks to wear their robes whenever they are required to leave prison premises for official purposes. This permission would remain in effect unless the monk’s respective chapter or Nikaya formally informs the authorities that it should not be granted.
Nanayakkara said the interim report and a related letter had been forwarded to the Acting Commissioner General of Prisons, along with instructions to amend the existing regulations in line with the recommendations.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed the special committee following discussions with representatives of the Maha Sangha from the three Buddhist Nikayas on October 8. The committee was tasked with reviewing existing rules, regulations and standing orders under the Prisons Ordinance and submitting its recommendations within two weeks.
The report, which also addresses the imprisonment and treatment of Buddhist monks and clergy from other religions, was formally handed over by committee chairman Prince Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
