Interim report on Prisons Ordinance rules handed to Secretary to the President

The interim report of a special committee appointed to update the rules, regulations and standing orders made under the Prisons Ordinance was handed over this morning (14) to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.

The committee was appointed after a discussion on 08 October between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Maha Sangha representing the three Buddhist Nikayas. It was tasked with studying the relevant matters and submitting proposals to amend the regulations and standing orders within two weeks.

The committee has submitted revised proposals relating to regulations governing the imprisonment of Buddhist monks and other religious clergy.

Committee Chairperson Mr. Prince Senadheera, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, handed over the report. Also present were committee members Piyumanthi Peiris, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration; Wasantha Ariyaratne, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; R. M. G. Senaratne, Commissioner-General of Buddhist Affairs; and A. C. Gajanayake, a Commissioner of the Department of Prisons.