The Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect is to closely study the proposed Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation Commission Bill and consult the Chapter’s Supreme Sangha (monks) Council before raising concerns regarding the proposed Bill.
Last month (February), the Interim Secretariat for the Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism presented a copy of the said draft Bill to the Chief Prelates of the Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters. Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera of the Malwathu Chapter and Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera of the Asgiri Chapter agreed to review the draft Bill jointly and provide their comments and observations concerning the same.
When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (27), Asgiri Maha Viharaya Supreme Sangha Council Secretary Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera said that the Asgiri Chapter is hopeful that the proposed Bill will have a positive impact on the reconciliation mechanism. He also noted that several such attempts, which were made throughout history, were not as successful as they wished and that therefore, the authorities will have to work tirelessly to continue the reconciliation process.
Stating that the Asgiri Chapter is yet to take a final stand regarding the matter, Dhammananda Thera further noted that the content of the Bill and its objectives should be studied by the Chapter, and that the Bill will soon be presented to the Supreme Sangha Council to consult its members regarding the Bill. He also said that members of the Council will be able to reach a consensus regarding the Bill. He stated that the Chief Prelate will also study the Bill personally, and that the Chapter’s opinion will soon be conveyed to the relevant Ministry and the Secretariat.
The said Bill was gazetted earlier this year and accordingly, the proposed Commission shall consist of no less than seven members and not more than 21 members, all of whom shall be Sri Lankan citizens. The composition of the Commission shall reflect the pluralistic nature of Sri Lanka, including gender, and all members shall be persons of integrity and credibility, appointed on the basis of their knowledge and practical experience in the disciplines relating to law, human rights, and humanitarian law, history, the social sciences, psychology, investigations, post-conflict studies and reconciliation.