The government has issued an Extraordinary Gazette introducing new regulations allowing Buddhist monks imprisoned in Sri Lanka to wear their robes under specified conditions.
The Gazette, dated October 20, 2026, amends the Standing Orders of the Department of Prisons under the Prisons Ordinance (Chapter 54), with the approval of the Minister of Justice and National Integration.
Under the new regulations, when a Buddhist monk is imprisoned, the Commissioner of Prisons must consult the Department of Buddhist Affairs regarding the removal of robes at the time of imprisonment.
The Department of Buddhist Affairs must inform the relevant Nikaya or Chapter and communicate its decision to the Commissioner of Prisons within 10 days.
If no response is received within that period, the Commissioner of Prisons may take necessary action in accordance with the relevant provisions.
The amendments also permit imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear their robes when taken outside prison in the capacity of a prisoner.
However, if the relevant Nikaya or Chapter has not permitted the monk to wear robes, the Commissioner of Prisons must take appropriate action.
The Commissioner must also request the Department of Buddhist Affairs to obtain the necessary approval from the relevant Nikaya or Chapter within seven working days of imprisonment.
The Gazette further states that these provisions will apply, with necessary modifications, to priests of other religions.
The new regulations come amid public debate over the treatment of imprisoned Buddhist monks and whether they should be permitted to wear religious attire while in custody. (Newswire)
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