Government Retreats On 'Theravada Kathikavath' Bill

The government has decided to present the ‘Theravada Bhikku Kathikavat’ Registration Act to Most Venerable Mahanayake theras of three nikayas again.

Minister of Buddhasasana Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the government would follow the instruction provided by Mahanayaka theras. He also said that government would accept amendments suggested by Mahanayaka theras for the relevant act.

“Several parties had requested to bring an act to register a dialogue to discipline Buddhist monks. Hence this bill was presented with the consultation of Mahanayaka Theras”, said the Minister.

Mahanayaka theras had blamed the government for failing to provide such rules, Rajapakshe added, defending the government's move.