The Government has moved to tighten regulations governing overseas travel by Buddhist monks, making it mandatory for clergy members to obtain multiple layers of ecclesiastical approval before leaving the country, following a major narcotics-related incident involving returning monks.
Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake told the media that the revised enforcement of existing rules was being implemented in the wake of a recent incident in which 22 Sri Lankan Buddhist monks were arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) upon their return from Thailand over alleged possession of large quantities of narcotics.
Under the tightened framework, Buddhist monks travelling abroad will now be required to obtain recommendations from their respective senior monk (Guru Hamuduruwo), the regional Buddhist leader, and the Mahanayaka Thero of their Nikaya. Authorities said the requirement had existed previously but had not been strictly enforced in recent years.
Dissanayake said the matter had been discussed between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Registrar Theros, during which the importance of strict compliance with the procedure was emphasised. The Mahanayaka Theros have also been formally briefed on the renewed enforcement mechanism, he added.
In parallel, a high-level discussion was held on Thursday (29) between Registrar Theros, the Attorney General, and officials of the Ministry of Buddhasasana to review urgent amendments to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance.
Officials also discussed proposals to vest authority for disciplinary and related actions in such cases with a committee led by the Mahanayaka Theros, under Sections 41 and 42 of the Ordinance.
Government sources said the policy shift is aimed at strengthening oversight of monastic travel abroad and safeguarding the integrity of the Buddhist clergy in light of recent incidents that have raised public concern.
Further consultations are expected before the proposed amendments are formally tabled.
Nineteen out of 22 Buddhist monks arrested at the BIA with a large stock of narcotics have been tested positive for drug use, according to the Judicial Medical Officer. The suspects were taken into custody on 25 April on arriving at BIA with 112 kgs of Kush cannabis and Hashish valued at over Rs. 110 million.