UNP challenges prison garb mandate for detained Buddhist monk

The UNP has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, currently in custody, arguing that requiring him to wear prison attire instead of his monastic robes constitutes a breach of fundamental rights. The party contends that the measure violates both Article 9 and Article 10 of Sri Lanka's Constitution, which protect freedom of religion and equality before law respectively.

The party statement characterises the forced removal of religious vestments as an affront to Buddhism and broader principles of religious freedom enshrined in the island's constitutional framework. UNP representatives have indicated that the practice raises questions about the state's obligation to respect and accommodate the religious practices of detainees, particularly those in monastic orders.

The matter underscores ongoing debate in Sri Lanka regarding the balance between prison regulations and the constitutional rights of inmates, particularly those with distinct religious identities. The case has drawn attention from civil liberties advocates who argue that religious accommodation in custodial settings is essential to upholding constitutional protections.