• Warns against campaigns targeting entire Buddhist monastic community
• Claims some groups seeking greater State control over temple finances
• Calls for urgent amendments to laws governing monastic discipline
• Disillusioned with delay in urgent legal amendments 

Secretary of the Supreme Sangha Council of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect, Ven. Dr Medagama Dhammananda Thera warned that organised efforts were underway to use the actions of a few individuals to discredit the entire Buddhist clergy and justify greater State control over temple affairs, while asserting that Buddhist monks found guilty of crimes must face the full force of the law. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (1 June), the Thera said that any monk found responsible for wrongdoing, including offences related to drug trafficking and sexual abuse, should be subjected to the relevant legal process regardless of status or position. "Whether the individual is an ordinary monk or not, the law must take its course. The Chief Prelates (Mahanayaka Theras) and the entire Sangha community will support it."

However, he alleged that certain groups are using isolated incidents involving members of the clergy to launch organised attacks against the entire Buddhist monastic community. "There are also indications that some parties are attempting to use such incidents to justify bringing the finances and income of temples under State control."

Speaking further, the Thera said: "Individuals found guilty of crimes or other offences should be punished under the general law applicable to all citizens. Decisions relating to monastic discipline however, should remain the responsibility of the respective Buddhist Sects. That is why we request that the relevant laws be amended as soon as possible. However, that does not happen either. We don’t know why they take so long to do it."

Attempts to contact Deputy Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake were not successful.