The Prisons Department expects to implement proposed changes to regulations governing Buddhist monks serving prison sentences during this month (October), as soon as the agreement of the Buddhist Affairs Commissioner General (CG) is received, Prisons Commissioner and Spokesperson, Senaka Pallethenna said.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (19), he said: “We have forwarded the regulations to the said CG. When we receive his agreement, we’ll implement them. We are hopeful that they’ll be able to be implemented during the course of this month.”

The proposed changes include provisions on the removal of a monk’s robes upon admission to prison and the wearing of robes when monks are taken outside prison. The Government is also considering extending similar arrangements, with appropriate changes, to members of other religious clergy serving prison sentences.

Justice and National Integration Minister, attorney Harshana Nanayakkara announced the proposed amendments on 14 October following the submission of an interim report by a committee appointed to review prison rules and procedures. One of the key recommendations is to amend Prison Standing Order 356 by introducing a new provision, 356(A). Under the proposed provision, prison authorities would be required to consult the Buddhist Affairs Department regarding the removal of a monk’s robes upon admission to prison. The Prisons Commissioner would have 10 days to notify the Department and take the necessary steps. A separate amendment to Departmental Order 550 would allow Buddhist monks to wear their robes whenever they are taken outside prison, unless their respective Sect formally requests that the privilege be withdrawn.

The proposed changes follow concerns over the treatment of the Bodu Bala Sena organisation’s General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera after he was taken into custody. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake subsequently held discussions with representatives of the three main Buddhist Sects and appointed a committee to examine the existing legal framework.