Mahanayake Theros to Review Proposed Changes to Prison Rules for Buddhist Monks

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs says the report prepared by a committee appointed to update regulations and standing orders under the Prisons Ordinance will also be submitted to the Mahanayake Theros for review.

Ministry Secretary Prince Senadheera said the committee report is scheduled to be handed over to the Presidential Secretary next Thursday (15).

An initial discussion on amending several regulations and standing orders relating to Buddhist monks held in prisons was held on Friday afternoon (09) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The meeting was convened by the committee appointed to update the regulations and standing orders issued under the Prisons Ordinance.

Prince Senadheera said the committee will meet again next Monday to reach a final decision on the matter.

The other members of the committee include Piyumanthi Peiris, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Wasantha Ariyaratne, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, R.M.G. Senaratne, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs and a Commissioner of the Department of Prisons A.C. Gajanayake. 

The committee was appointed by the President to periodically review the regulations and standing orders issued under the Prisons Ordinance and update them in line with current religious, cultural, legal, administrative and practical requirements.