Senior Buddhist leaders say only Sangha can decide on monk's robes removal

The Mahanayaka Theras representing all three Buddhist Nikayas have raised concerns with the Commissioner General of Prisons regarding Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, the imprisoned General Secretary of Bodu Bala Sena, appearing in court in civilian attire rather than monastic robes.

In their formal communication to prison authorities, the senior prelates expressed surprise and concern at the manner in which the controversial cleric was presented before the courts. The Mahanayaka Theras emphasized that questions concerning a monk's robes and monastic status are matters that fall within the exclusive purview of the Sangha community and its ecclesiastical authorities.

Ven. Gnanasara Thera is currently serving a prison sentence for contempt of court. His court appearances have drawn scrutiny from the country's Buddhist leadership, who view the presentation of a monk in civilian dress as a matter requiring their institutional attention.

The intervention by the Mahanayaka Theras underscores the tension between civil judicial procedures and Buddhist religious protocols in Sri Lanka. The senior monks' statement signals that any decisions regarding the formal removal of monastic robes or changes to a monk's ecclesiastical status must be determined through proper Sangha procedures rather than by external authorities.