• 3-tier authorisation required from within clergy

The Government has decided to make it mandatory for Buddhist monks travelling abroad to obtain recommendations from their respective senior monk (Guru Hamuduruwo), the regional Buddhist leader, and the Mahanayaka Thera of their respective Nikaya (Sect).

Deputy Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister, Gamagedara Dissanayake stated that although this law had been enacted previously, it had not been strictly implemented in recent times.

He stated that following a discussion held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Registrar Theras, it was emphasised that this requirement is essential moving forward and that the Mahanayaka Theras have also been briefed regarding the matter.

He made these remarks while outlining the Government’s stance in relation to a recent incident involving the arrest of 22 Buddhist monks returning from Thailand while in possession of large quantities of narcotics at the Bandaranaike International Airport. 

Meanwhile, he stated that a comprehensive discussion was held on Wednesday (29) between the Registrar Theras, the Attorney General, and officials of the Buddhasasana Ministry, focusing on urgent amendments to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance. Consequently, further discussions were held to grant the authority to take action in such instances to a committee led by the Mahanayaka Theras, in accordance with Sections 41 and 42 of the said Ordinance.