Opposition Leader calls for parliamentary committee meeting on prison attire for clergy and dignity of Buddhist monks

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has requested an urgent meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection. The request, made through Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne to Committee Chairman Dr. Najith Indika, MP, aims to discuss matters related to Ven. Gnanasara and prison attire rules for clergy.

Premadasa has also called for immediate amendments to existing laws and regulations to safeguard the dignity of Buddhist monks, emphasizing that monastic robes worn by Buddhist monks must always be treated with respect.

Separately, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has recommended that the government issue a new circular explicitly permitting public employees to wear religious attire. Additionally, the Janathawadi Joint Opposition, led by Prof. G. L. Peiris, has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to grant a presidential pardon to Ven. Galagodaththe Gnanasara, citing the annulment of a previous pardon granted in May 2019.