Janathawadi Joint Opposition condemns decision to dress Gnanasara Thera in prison attire

The Janathawadi Joint Opposition has strongly condemned the decision to make Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera wear prison attire instead of his traditional saffron robes, describing the move as an insult to Buddhism.

In a statement, Convenor of the Janathawadi Joint Opposition, G. L. Peiris said the treatment of Buddhist monks must be governed by the established traditions and disciplinary rules of the Buddha Sasana.

He emphasised that prison authorities must respect the traditions associated with Buddhism when dealing with Buddhist monks.

Peiris maintained that, according to the Vinaya Pitaka, the authority to decide whether a monk should continue wearing saffron robes rests solely with the Buddhist Nikaya under which the monk received ordination, and that no external party or individual has the authority to interfere in such matters.

He further stressed that the authority vested in the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Nikayas over matters concerning Buddhist disciplinary rules must be protected.

Describing the decision to dress Ven. Gnanasara Thera in prison attire as controversial, Peiris claimed that the move had triggered widespread opposition due to what he described as reckless action taken without considering the consequences.

He also referred to Article 9 of the Constitution, which accords Buddhism the foremost place, stressing the importance of respecting the constitutional recognition given to Buddhism.

The Janathawadi Joint Opposition called for an immediate end to what it described as arbitrary actions concerning Buddhism by any party. (Newswire)

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