Sri Lanka reviews prison rules after monk's robe controversy

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered a review of prison regulations in Sri Lanka following a controversy regarding the attire of Buddhist monks. The issue arose after monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara was required to wear prison-issued clothing instead of his customary robes when being moved for court or healthcare purposes.

To address the dispute, the President has established a committee of government and legal authorities to examine the existing framework and recommend changes. The committee is expected to complete its review within two weeks.

The situation has sparked a debate between religious tradition and constitutional law. Senior Buddhist clergy argue that the authority to regulate monastic robes belongs to the Buddhist Sangha, viewing state-mandated prison clothing as an intrusion into religious identity. Conversely, legal arguments focus on Article 12 of the Sri Lankan Constitution, which mandates equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on religion, creating a tension between religious freedom and uniform legal treatment.