Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara says that according to the recommendations of the interim committee report, a Buddhist monk who is taken outside the prison is permitted to wear his monastic robe, unless the chapter to which he belongs objects to it.
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).
Explaining the recommendations of the report, the Minister of Justice and National Integration stated that a Buddhist monk will be fully permitted to wear his monastic robes when being taken outside of the prison, and that this right remains valid unless the relevant Buddhist chapter directs otherwise.
The Minister made these remarks while issuing a special statement to the media regarding the report of the special committee appointed to update the rules, regulations, and standing orders formulated under the Prisons Ordinance.
Furthermore, based on the recommendations of the committee tasked with updating prison regulations, the committee has proposed amending Standing Order 356 to 356(A) and issuing an interim directive to amend Departmental Order 550.
He also stated that instructions have been issued to amend the prison standing orders in accordance with the relevant recommendations.
Speaking further on this matter, the Minister of Justice stated:
"A proposal has been made to amend Prison Standing Order 356 by adding a subsection—356(A)—and to issue an interim directive amending Departmental Order 550.
Accordingly, when a Buddhist monk is incarcerated, the Commissioner of Prisons is granted a 10-day period to notify the Department of Buddhist Affairs and take appropriate action regarding the removal of the standard prisoner's uniform the monk would otherwise be required to wear.
Should a member of the clergy from another religion become an inmate, these provisions are to be adapted and applied accordingly.
Furthermore, an amendment is being introduced to Departmental Order 550 through the addition of a new section.
Under this amendment, if a Buddhist monk is taken out of the prison, full permission is granted for him to wear his monastic robes during that time.
This permission remains valid until such time as a notification is received from the monk's respective religious order (Nikaya) requesting otherwise.
The interim committee report regarding this matter has also been conveyed to the Acting Commissioner of Prisons via a formal letter."
