The United National Party (UNP) has strongly condemned the government’s decision to appoint a committee to make recommendations on the attire to be worn by imprisoned Buddhist monks and other religious leaders when taken outside prison, describing the move as unnecessary.
In a statement issued today (14), the UNP said the procedures governing the matter are already clearly outlined in the Standing Orders of the Department of Prisons.
The party referred to comments previously made by Professor G. L. Peiris, Convenor of the Janathawadi Joint Opposition, who described the appointment of such a committee as a “complete eyewash”, stating that there was no need for it.
Citing Standing Order 550 of the Prisons Department, the UNP said convicted prisoners produced before court for legal proceedings should not be required to wear prison uniforms.
The party further stated that the regulations permit prisoners to wear civilian clothing consistent with their attire before imprisonment, including clothing appropriate to their cultural or religious background.
The UNP accused the government of deliberately attempting to suppress and prolong the issue by appointing a committee despite the existing regulations.
The party also called on the government to seek forgiveness from the Mahanayake Thera and the Sangha Council of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siyam Maha Nikaya over the decision concerning the religious attire of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.
The statement comes amid controversy surrounding the prison attire of Gnanasara Thera following his imprisonment. (Newswire)
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