The Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect stated that although the relevant Sangha Councils can make disciplinary decisions against Buddhist monks accused of wrongdoing, including removing them from their respective Sects, such monks continue to wear the robes because the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance (Vihara Devalagam Act) is yet to be amended.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Secretary of the Asgiri Chapter’s Supreme Sangha Council, Ven Dr Medagama Dhammananda Thera said the proposed amendments would empower Sangha Councils to conduct formal disciplinary inquiries into allegations against monks, provide them with an opportunity to appeal, and, after completing the process, remove those found guilty from the Buddhist Order. He explained that once a Sangha Council reaches such a decision, it would notify the Commissioner General (CG) of Buddhist Affairs to cancel the monk's official registration documents. 

"A person whose documents have been cancelled can’t continue as a monk. The CG would then inform the relevant court that the individual no longer possesses valid monastic registration and has been removed from the Order. This is something like the cancellation of a doctor's professional registration. If and when this is implemented, such a person would have to remove the robes."

He said that the proposed legal changes are necessary because, under the existing legal framework, Sangha Councils cannot compel a monk to disrobe, despite taking disciplinary action under the Buddhist monastic law. "The law does not permit the forcible removal of a person's clothing. We can’t remove a monk's robes under the disciplinary processes in a legally enforceable manner. That is why these amendments need to be done without delay."

Multiple attempts to contact the Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Minister Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi and Deputy subject Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake proved futile.

The monk's comments come after the Attorney General (AG), President's Counsel Parinda Ranasinghe Junior reportedly agreed to file charges against Buddhist monks arrested over various crimes under the names listed on their birth certificates, provided that the relevant Buddhist Sects take steps to disrobe them. 

The understanding was reported to have been reached during a recent meeting between the AG and senior members of the Buddhist clergy to discuss the issue of monks accused of criminal offences appearing in court wearing robes. The AG has also informed the clergy that if a monk objects to being disrobed, the head of the relevant Sect should proceed according to its own disciplinary code, stressing that the proper exercise of disciplinary powers by the Buddhist Sects could help prevent monks from engaging in misconduct.