Only Buddhist monks have the authority to remove the robes of a fellow monk, Most Venerable Ittapana Dhammalankara Mahanayake Thero, the Mahanayake of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, has said.

Mahanayake Thero made these remarks when Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa visited him today (10).

The Mahanayake Thero said Sri Lanka has historically been a Buddhist country and that protecting Buddhism was a responsibility and duty.

Ven. Ittapana Dhammalankara Thero also said a letter had been sent to the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the matter.

“We even sent a letter to the President. Furthermore, he is a monk of our Sangha Sabha, an eloquent speaker, and a preacher of the Dhamma. Another date has been requested to meet the President.” 

“Only Buddhist monks have the authority to remove a monk’s robes. If the robes are not removed, the situation can be endured, but no one has the right to disrobe him,” Mahanayake Thero said.

The Mahanayake Thero further claimed that 99% of Buddhist monks across Sri Lanka’s three main Buddhist Nikayas opposed the action taken against the monk.

He also questioned why the Kotte Sangha Sabha had not been consulted before the decision was made, noting that he serves as its Mahanayake Thero. 

“Ninety-nine per cent of all three Chapters in Sri Lanka oppose what was done. As the Mahanayake of the Kotte Sangha Sabha, if such a decision was being taken, they should have at least consulted the Kotte Sangha Sabha."