• Seeks legal, regulatory amendments on religious attire 



Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (13) called for the full implementation of Article 9 of the Constitution, which accords Buddhism the foremost place, and immediate legal reforms to protect the dignity of Buddhist monks’ robes, warning against delays in addressing the issue.

Premadasa said the constitutional provision was not being properly implemented and that the relevant laws and regulations must be updated without delay to meet current circumstances.

He made these remarks during a meeting with the Anunayake of the Sri Rohana Chapter of the Siam Sect and Chief Incumbent of the Sapugoda Ilangamgoda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya and other temples, Ven. Omare Kassapa Thera, in Kamburupitiya.

Premadasa said the Government should not delay action by appointing committees every two weeks, arguing that the necessary information could be gathered within 24 hours and regulatory changes introduced promptly.

He described the removal of monastic robes from Buddhist monks as an extremely reprehensible act, stressing that laypeople had no right to forcibly remove the robes worn by members of the clergy. He also called for respect for Buddhism and other religions and communities, while insisting that the attire and practices of religious leaders must not be interfered with.

Premadasa said the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) had already submitted a proposal on the matter and would exert maximum pressure to secure the necessary amendments to the relevant laws and regulations.