No Govt. interference in Tri Nikayas: Wijeyadasa

By Chamodi Gunawardana

Justice and Buddha Sasana Minister Wijeyadasa  Rajapakshe yesterday stressed the Government has no intention to influence disciplinary procedures of the Tri Nikayas by passing the proposed draft bill of Theravada Bhikkhu Dialogue. 

Speaking at the Cabinet briefing, Minister said the drafted bill was introduced only to authorise Tri Nikayas’ Sanga Nayaka Theros to take disciplinary action against the monks who violate the given ‘Vinaya’ rules of each Nikayas.  

“Sanga Nayaka Theros already had the power to decide disciplinary actions against monks, but have no legal authority to implement the punishment. This draft bill is to provide that authority,” Rajapakshe explained. 

He added, “This bill was drafted by the past regime and the current Government made some amendments before presenting it to Parliament.” 

The bill was presented by Parliament Reforms and Mass Media Minister Gayantha  Karunathilaka on Wednesday. It will focus on facts ranging from monitoring the behaviour of monks, to provisions with respect to disciplinary procedures.