The Maha Sangha has endorsed the recommendations of a committee appointed by the President to amend laws concerning the treatment of Buddhist monks who are imprisoned, while proposing further discussions among the 31 factions of the three main Buddhist chapters to establish a common framework for implementing the proposed legal changes.

The agreement was reached at a meeting of the Buddha Sasana Council held today (20) at the “Dahampaya” premises of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, with the participation of representatives from all three Buddhist chapters.

The meeting was attended by a delegation of senior Buddhist monks led by Venerable Medagama Dhammananda Thero, the Chief Secretary of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya.

A key focus of the meeting was to obtain the views and proposals of the Maha Sangha regarding public concerns surrounding the removal of the robe of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and to brief the monks on measures taken by the government in this regard.

During the meeting, Secretary to the Ministry Prince Senadheera, who also chairs the committee appointed by the President, presented the committee’s recommendations and explained the need to amend Sections 356 and 550 of the relevant legislation.

One of the proposals stipulates that when an imprisoned Buddhist monk is taken outside prison to appear before a court or for another official purpose, the monk should be permitted to wear the robe only on the recommendation of the relevant Nikaya chapter or Sangha Council.

The Maha Sangha proposed that representatives of the 31 factions or their respective Sangha Councils should meet to discuss the practical implementation of the proposed legal provisions and develop a suitable common mechanism.

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake, Ministry Secretary Prince Senadhira and Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs R. M. G. Senaratne were among those present at the meeting.