President commits to reforming monastic prison regulations

President Dissanayake said a specialized committee would be tasked with examining existing legislation that applies to Buddhist clergy held in custody, with a focus on conditions during imprisonment and protocols for their movement outside correctional facilities.

The President emphasized that any reform process must be grounded in established legal frameworks rather than individual preferences. "My will must not become the law," he stated, underscoring his commitment to ensuring changes are made through proper legal channels and institutional processes.

The committee is expected to include representatives from the Attorney General's Department, the Ministry of Justice, and relevant state institutions. Officials will be tasked with drafting new standing orders and regulatory guidelines to replace or supplement current provisions.

The initiative reflects growing attention to the treatment of religious minorities and their rights within Sri Lanka's correctional system. The review is anticipated to address both security requirements and humanitarian concerns related to the detention of Buddhist religious figures.