News

BUDDHIST MONKS TO WEAR ROBES OUTSIDE PRISON-MINISTER

Committee recommends allowing Buddhist monks to wear robes outside prison: Minister

– Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said today that the special committee in its interim report has recommended to permit imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear their robes when they are taken outside prisons.He said a monk would be entitled to wear his robes unless the relevant Buddhist Chapter decides otherwise.

The Minister said under the proposed amendments to Standing Order 356, the Commissioner General of Prisons would be given 10 days to decide whether a Buddhist monk should be required to remove his robes upon imprisonment, after consulting the Department of Buddhist Affairs.He said the Acting Commissioner General of Prisons was instructed to amend the Standing Orders under the Prisons Ordinance in line with the recommendations made by a special committee.

The committee appointed to review and update the rules, regulations and standing orders under the Prisons Ordinance submitted its interim report to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake today.