Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the government will soon introduce the necessary legal amendments to ensure discipline within the Buddhist monastic community is properly maintained.
The President made these remarks while addressing the State Vesak Festival held at Midellawala Temple today.
According to the President, the government is taking steps to amend Sections 41 and 42 of the 1931 Vihara and Devalagam Act following requests made by the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas.
He said the proposed amendments would allow for the re-establishment of a “Dharmadhikaranaya” with the authority to take disciplinary action against monks who violate Vinaya rules.
“The Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas formally submitted this request to me in writing. Our Minister presented a Cabinet paper on the matter, which received Cabinet approval. Accordingly, amendments were drafted,” the President stated.
He further explained that all legal amendments must receive approval from the Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka before being enacted.
The President also revealed that discussions had recently been facilitated between the Chief Prelates and secretaries of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Ramanna and Amarapura Chapters together with the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs and officials from the Attorney General’s Department.
According to him, the Maha Sangha informed him that a final consensus had been reached during those discussions.
“Therefore, we will very soon introduce the necessary laws to enable the Sangha institution to be maintained in accordance with Vinaya discipline,” he said.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that Buddhism does not belong solely to the present generation or only to monks in robes, but was preached for the well-being and liberation of all humanity.
“Therefore, we all bear the responsibility of ensuring that the essence of this Dhamma is preserved without being destroyed,” he added.
