New prison regulations allowing Buddhist monks serving jail terms to be taken outside prison in their robes are expected to be adopted within two weeks, the Presidential Secretariat said on Sunday.
The secretariat said that once the rules take effect, arrangements will be made for monks to leave prison in robes on the recommendation of the relevant Nikaya or chapter.
The process to amend the regulations began on 8 October, after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met the Maha Sangha. The meeting followed controversy over Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara, General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena, being produced in court in civilian attire.
A five-member committee is studying the current regulations and standing orders under the Prisons Ordinance. It is chaired by Prince Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has provided policy guidance. The committee first met on 9 October at the Presidential Secretariat.
The secretariat said the proposals will be presented to the Maha Sangha by the middle of this week for their views and recommendations before they are implemented.
