The Asgiri Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya has questioned the legal basis for removing the robe of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera before he was produced in court after his imprisonment, its Secretary said on Wednesday.
Most Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thera said the Chapter respected the court verdict. He said a review of the Prisons Ordinance suggested the Thera should have been produced in the robes he had worn before.
The Chapter said the constitutional status given to Buddhism, and traditional customary law, should be considered in matters concerning Buddhist monks. It described the matter as one of grave concern that could set a harmful precedent for the Buddhist Sasana.
It said its immediate concern was whether the procedure complied with the law, not the Thera’s political views.
The Chapter said it is examining the legal provisions and considering its next steps, including possible re-ordination of the Thera if necessary.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to meet the Maha Sangha on 8 October.
