Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has urged the government to respect religious traditions and the dignity of the Buddhist robe following reports that Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera was brought before court in civilian clothes.
In a statement, Premadasa said that while courts operate within a legal framework, governments must also act with sensitivity towards social traditions, cultural identities and religious conventions.
He said Gnanasara Thera had reportedly been brought to court in civilian clothing without his consent.
Mr. Premadasa noted that while defendants may appear in appropriate civilian clothing to maintain the dignity of the court, bringing a Buddhist monk or another religious leader before court in civilian attire without their consent or the knowledge of the relevant religious institution was inappropriate.
He further said decisions regarding a person's status as a Buddhist monk, or the official standing of a religious leader of another faith, should be made by the relevant religious institution.
The Opposition Leader called on the government to ensure that such sensitive matters are handled with the knowledge and approval of the Mahanayake Theras of the three Buddhist chapters, or the appropriate religious authorities in cases involving other faiths.
