The Buddhist clergy has endorsed recommendations to amend laws governing the treatment of Buddhist monks in prison, while calling for further discussions among the 31 factions of the three main Buddhist Sects to establish a common mechanism for implementing the proposed changes.
The agreement was reached at a meeting of the Buddha Sasana Council held on Tuesday (20) at the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry, with representatives of all three Sects in attendance.
A delegation of senior Buddhist monks led by the Chief Secretary of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect, Ven. Dr Medagama Dhammananda Thera, attended the meeting.
The discussions focused on concerns surrounding the removal of the robe of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera and the measures taken by the Government in this regard.
Ministry Secretary and chairperson of the committee appointed by the President to examine the relevant laws, Prince Senadheera, presented the committee’s recommendations, including proposed amendments to Sections 356 and 550 of the relevant legislation.
One of the proposals stipulates that a Buddhist monk serving a prison sentence should be permitted to wear the robe when taken outside prison to appear before a court or attend to another official matter only on the recommendation of the relevant Sect’s chapter or the Sangha Council.
The monks proposed that representatives of the 31 factions or their respective Sangha Councils meet to discuss the practical implementation of the proposed amendments and develop a common framework.
Meanwhile, a satyagraha launched by a group of Buddhist monks at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo demanding Gnanasara Thera’s release continued for the sixth consecutive day yesterday (21).
The protest began on 16 October, following an initial gathering outside the Presidential Secretariat. The monks subsequently met Senadheera at the Ministry but described the discussions as unsuccessful and decided to continue their protest at the Park.
Tensions arose between the protesters and the Police on the first day when the monks attempted to erect a temporary structure at the site.
The protesting monks have said they will remain at the location until Gnanasara Thera is released.