Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the urgent convening of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection to review prison regulations concerning the attire of Buddhist monks and other religious clergy while in custody.
In a letter dated October 10, addressed to the Committee Chairperson through the Speaker of Parliament, Premadasa raised concerns over the implementation of the Department of Prisons’ Standing Order No. 550.
He stated that a serious controversy had emerged regarding the attire worn by members of the Maha Sangha and clergy of other religions while serving prison sentences and when being taken outside prison premises.
The Opposition Leader claimed that the government’s apparent failure to intervene promptly and constructively to resolve the issue had caused considerable public distress.
Premadasa emphasised that the Legislature has a responsibility to review the existing regulations and recommend necessary amendments to address the concerns.
Accordingly, he requested that the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection be convened without delay to examine the matter.
He also proposed that representatives from the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Department of Prisons, Attorney General’s Department and other relevant institutions be summoned to the Committee’s first meeting.
Meanwhile, Premadasa requested permission to participate in the Committee proceedings despite not being a member, citing the national importance and sensitive nature of the issue.
He stated that he intends to actively contribute to the discussions by presenting proposals and recommendations aimed at resolving the controversy. (Newswire)
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