Speaking at the cabinet news briefing today (14), minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa refuted allegations the government was attempting to introduce laws to control monks.

Legal empowerment, no govt. involvement

The draft bill on Theravada Bhikku dialogue was intended only at legally empowering a dialogue among the monks, as Maha Nayake Theras were without powers to implement disciplinary decisions, he said.

The government will make contributions in formulating the laws, but will not get involved in any manner in the dialogue itself or in taking action against monks found to be violating discipline, said the minister.

Allowances for amendments

The draft bill was presented in parliament following several rounds of talks, and any further amendments would be entertained at the committee stage, said Rajapakse.

It is up to the chapters to decide action with regard to disciplinary violations such as getting involved in soothsaying, sorcery and obtaining driving licenses, he went onto say.

Previous regime prepared it

Noting the opposition to the draft bill by certain monks, he said it had been prepared by the previous regime and what the present government had done was to address its shortcomings and present it in parliament.

He added that both administrations had been criticized by the monks for not bringing in necessary legislation.