President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that necessary laws will be enacted promptly to ensure the maintenance of discipline among Buddhist monks.

Addressing the National Vesak Festival today, he said that, at the request of the Mahanayake Theras, the government is taking steps to amend the Vihara and Devalagam Act of 1931 and re-establish a ‘Dharmadhikaranaya’ with authority to handle disciplinary matters concerning Buddhist monks.

He made these remarks while addressing the State Vesak Festival held at the Midellawala Temple in Thihagoda, Matara.

“There was a request to amend Sections 41 and 42 of the Viharagam and Devalagam Act of 1931. There was also a request to restore the authority to take disciplinary action through the Dhamma courts against monks who violate discipline.”

“The Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas formally submitted this request to me in writing. Our Minister presented a Cabinet paper on the matter, which received Cabinet approval. Accordingly, amendments were drafted,” he said.

The President stressed that all such amendments must receive the approval of the Attorney General’s Department. 

The AG’s Department proposed several revisions, the President said, adding that he recently facilitated discussions between the Chief Prelates and Secretaries of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Ramanna and Amarapura Chapters, together with the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs and the Attorney General.

“I was informed by the venerable Maha Sangha that a final consensus had been reached during these discussions. Therefore, we will very soon introduce the necessary laws to enable the Sangha institution to be maintained in accordance with Vinaya discipline.”

He emphasized that the Dhamma does not belong only to those of us living today, nor solely to monks in robes as it was preached for the liberation and well-being of all humanity. “Therefore, we all bear the responsibility of ensuring that the essence of this Dhamma is preserved without being destroyed.”