Those in jail must wear the prison jumper: Thalatha

20 June 2018 04:05 pm - 28 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Referring to Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary the Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera sentenced to a jail term of six months rigorous imprisonment, Justice and Prison Reforms Minister Thalatha Athukorale said yesterday any person convicted by Court should wear the prison jumper as provided by the Prisons Ordinance.

She said this in her letter to Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera, the Anunayake of the Supreme Sangha Council of the Kotte Chapter, regarding the convicted monk wearing the prison jumper instead of the saffron robe while serving his prison term.

The minister said according to the Annunayake Thera, a Buddhist monk could only be disrobed by the particular Sangha Council and that the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs could only do so under the direction of the relevant Mahanayake Thera of the Nikaya.

“As far as I understand, under normal circumstances, a monk can be disrobed at his own will. The sole authority to decide on such a matter lies with the specific monk or the relevant Nikaya such a monk belonged to. The government has no authority to decide on such matters,” she said. “All citizens should abide by the law under an independent judicial system. The Prisons Ordinance provides the means of dealing with those who are sentenced to prison followed by a Court verdict. The Prisons Department is governed by the Prisons Ordinance."

She said as provided by the Prisons Ordinance, any person serving a prison sentence followed by a Court verdict should wear the prison jumper and it was in no way connected to any religious bias. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)

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Comments - 28

Scooby Doo Wednesday, 20 June 2018 04:45 PM

Well said Madame, Law should be equal for everyone.

Ash Wednesday, 20 June 2018 04:48 PM

Well done Minister. Very rightly said. Commend your courage.

Jayamini Perera Wednesday, 20 June 2018 04:49 PM

We salute you Thalatha for having the backbone to show a common criminal where that goon belongs. GOD bless you Ma'am.

Jayantha Wednesday, 20 June 2018 04:59 PM

Very True....

DamienP Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:00 PM

Well said, Minister.

Upul Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:03 PM

It is a well known factor that srilankans bend the law for their own satisfaction. If there is a law, it should be carried out equally on every person.

Priyankara Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:04 PM

Well said!

Amdon Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:08 PM

Finally she had the courage even though some don't have the balls to stand against this thug.

Buddhist Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:15 PM

Well said Thalatha. Hope in the same spirit you will immediately activate the three special courts as well.

Hari Mani Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:18 PM

Well said minister, for once we have one with courage and conviction. Please follow suite with remaining culprits.... As for the Maha sanga they should have disrobed many of these violent monks a long time ago and this subject matter would have never arose.

idi Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:19 PM

Bravo! The lady has got more guts than most of the guys in the government. Definitely much more than the one on top.

City Wednesday, 20 June 2018 08:17 PM

Please wait for the Top ones order

sobers Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:21 PM

Religious leaders should be given stringent punishment if they are found guilty as they are the preaches. Also law applies equally to everyone. No one is above the law.

billy Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:22 PM

This is a funny country. This fellow has been convicted of threatening a lady inside the court house. He is also seen uttering most foul language in TV and has got involved in all the things that is most unbecoming of a Buddhist monk. Hence he is not fit or deserve to wear the sacred robes at all. Actually the monks who are clamouring for his release should advise the Mahahayaka's to disrobe him.

Stan Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:33 PM

Well said minister. proud of you!

maname Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:38 PM

Love it

Borat Wednesday, 20 June 2018 05:41 PM

Message well presented

Machan Wednesday, 20 June 2018 08:18 PM

Thank you madam, for having a stand. The good governance need good ministers with good principles who are not afraid to take a stand.

kumarsenaratne Wednesday, 20 June 2018 08:20 PM

Once a convict alll other social, religeous status has no bearing on the term served. Country's law is above religeous orders or status!

Ceylon Wednesday, 20 June 2018 08:51 PM

So many robe wearing criminals are now shivering by thinking and expecting they also will have to.suffer punishments like this.they are protesting to avoid that karma for them.

Sam Wednesday, 20 June 2018 08:58 PM

To all wimps in parliament. Follow this good ladies example. Show some courage like she has. Respect Madam.

Gunasekera Wednesday, 20 June 2018 09:38 PM

Well Hopefully, rogues in the parliament will wear the same. Unfortunately, it will never happen in Sri Lanka.Walking the talk is more appropriate.

Rupet Senanayake (Attorney-at-Law) Wednesday, 20 June 2018 09:44 PM

Only Minister has a back bone to boldly express the truth.

Capt. Lal Piyasiri Senaratne Wednesday, 20 June 2018 09:52 PM

My3 and RW should stand with Thalatha who spoke on behalf of real justice. Should not bend down for monks request.

Portia Thursday, 21 June 2018 09:32 AM

There is no reason why he should be treated differently. Have people forgotten that Buddharakitha was also in jail for SWRD's murder and was in a prison jumper?

alimohamed Thursday, 21 June 2018 10:25 AM

I think the word "PRISON JUMPER" sounds like insulting If you use the word "PRISON UNIFORM" sounds respectable.

Bharatha Thursday, 21 June 2018 10:28 AM

Another anti Buddhist statement by an anti Buddhist government. All laws only against Buddhist.

jith Thursday, 21 June 2018 10:53 AM

Well said , Minister. Those who hold public office should have the will to stand on their feet on the ground. At the same time, This principle should be extended to all matters without subjectivity, that gives hope for a real change.

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Those in jail must wear the prison jumper: Thalatha

Comments - 28

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