📜 Urgent Parliamentary Committee Review Sought Over Clergy Prison Attire Rules

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has requested the immediate convening of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection to examine regulations regarding the attire of Buddhist monks and clergy of other religions in prison custody. • Key Issues Raised: • Concerns surround the implementation of the Department of Prisons’ Standing Order No. 550, following controversy over attire worn by clergy while serving sentences and during transfers outside prison premises. • Failure to promptly address the matter has led to public distress over this sensitive issue. • Proposed Actions: • Convene the Sectoral Oversight Committee without delay to review existing regulations and propose necessary amendments. • Summon representatives from key state institutions, including the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Department of Prisons, and the Attorney General’s Department. • Opposition Leader seeking permission to attend and present resolution proposals to address the matter.