President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the Government will soon introduce the necessary legislation to enable the Maha Sangha to maintain the Sangha institution in accordance with Vinaya discipline, including restoring authority for disciplinary action through Dhamma courts.

Speaking at the 2026 State Vesak Festival held at the Midellawala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya in Thihagoda today, the President said the Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas had formally requested amendments to Sections 41 and 42 of the Viharagam and Devalagam Act of 1931.

He said the Cabinet had already approved the proposed amendments and discussions had recently been held between the Chief Prelates and Secretaries of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Ramanna and Amarapura Chapters, together with the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs and the Attorney General.

According to the President, a final consensus had now been reached, paving the way for the Government to move forward with the legislation.

President Dissanayake stressed that Buddhism was not only for monks or the current generation, but for the well-being of all humanity, adding that all citizens shared the responsibility of protecting the Buddha Sasana and the Dhamma for future generations.

Referring to recent controversies involving members of the clergy, the President said the Government and the Maha Sangha were deeply concerned about incidents that brought disrepute to Buddhism.

He revealed that after 21 monks were arrested over narcotics-related offences, discussions were held with the Maha Nayaka Theras on whether monks accused of such offences could be disrobed before being produced in court, although legal constraints had prevented such measures from being implemented.

The President also said Sri Lanka required both economic and spiritual revival, noting that a righteous society founded on compassion, discipline and morality was essential for lasting economic progress. (Newswire)

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