Colombo, Oct. 8 (Daily Mirror) – The Sri Lankan Bhikkhu Association in Europe has requested the Commissioner General of Prisons to make legal provisions allowing Buddhist monks serving prison sentences to wear their monastic robes instead of civilian clothing when they are taken outside prison.

The request was made in a letter signed by the Chief Secretary of the association and Chief Sanghanayaka of Cyprus, Most Venerable Morawaka Soratha Nayaka Thero, and its President and Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayaka of Germany, Most Venerable Rathmale Punnaratana Nayaka Thero.

The association said it respected the country’s judiciary and its decisions and acknowledged that monks convicted under the law were required to comply with prison regulations.

However, it said seeing Buddhist monks dressed in civilian clothing when taken outside prison caused distress among both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, particularly when such images were published in mainstream and social media.

The association said punishment should also focus on rehabilitation and preserve the dignity of monks, as they are expected to return to religious and spiritual service after completing their sentences.

It expressed confidence that allowing incarcerated monks to wear their robes when taken outside prison would provide relief to the public while also enhancing the reputation of the Department of Prisons.

Copies of the letter have been sent to the Mahanayaka Theros of the three Nikayas, the President and the relevant Minister.