Mahanayake Theras raise serious concern over Gnanasara Thera’s removal of robes

The Mahanayake Theras of Sri Lanka’s main Buddhist chapters have expressed serious concern over the decision by prison authorities to produce Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera before court in civilian clothing instead of his robes.

In a letter addressed to the Commissioner General of Prisons, the Mahanayake Theras said that while they fully respect the Constitution and judicial process, the removal of a Buddhist monk’s robes or the termination of his monastic status cannot be treated merely as an administrative matter governed by prison regulations.

They said such matters fall within the religious authority of the Maha Sangha.

The Mahanayake Theras noted that the authority to make decisions concerning the monastic status of a Buddhist monk rests with the relevant Nikaya or Sangha Sabha.

They said the relevant Sangha Sabha has not determined that Gnanasara Thera had committed a Parajika offence that would terminate his status as a monk, nor has it decided that he should be disrobed.

The letter also referred to Regulation 550 of the Prison Standing Orders, arguing that convicted prisoners being produced before court should be permitted to wear civilian clothing corresponding to what they were accustomed to wearing before their conviction.

According to the Mahanayake Theras, in the case of a Buddhist monk, the clothing worn before conviction would be his robes rather than lay clothing.

They also cited Rule 17(3) of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, saying prisoners taken outside prison should be permitted to wear their own clothing or other inconspicuous clothing.

The Mahanayake Theras therefore requested the Commissioner General of Prisons to make the necessary administrative arrangements for Gnanasara Thera to continue appearing in his robes during future court proceedings and to ensure that his monastic status is not adversely affected while he remains in prison.

The controversy arose after Gnanasara Thera, who is serving the remainder of a prison sentence, was produced before court wearing civilian clothing.

The Prisons Department has maintained that the action was taken in accordance with prison regulations. Prisons officials have said Buddhist monks sentenced to rigorous imprisonment are required to wear prison-issued clothing and that prisoners serving sentences exceeding three years must be produced before court in clothing issued by the department.