The interim report of the special committee appointed to update the rules, regulations and standing orders made under the Prisons Ordinance was handed over to the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake this morning (14) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The committee was appointed following a discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Maha Sangha representing the three Buddhist Nikayas on 08 October. 

It was tasked with studying the relevant matters and submitting proposals to amend the regulations and standing orders within two weeks, according to the President's Media Division (PMD).

Accordingly, the committee has submitted revised proposals relating to regulations governing the imprisonment of Buddhist monks and other religious clergy.

The report was handed over to the Secretary to the President by committee Chairperson Mr. Prince Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

Committee members Piyumanthi Peiris, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration; Wasantha Ariyaratne, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; R. M. G. Senaratne, Commissioner-General of Buddhist Affairs; and A. C. Gajanayake, a Commissioner of the Department of Prisons, were also present.

--PMD—