New rules for Buddhist clergy travelling abroad

Buddhist monks travelling abroad must soon obtain recommendations from their chief incumbents, regional heads and the Chief Prelates of their respective chapters.

Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedera Dissanayake says the government intends to reactivate this regulation in the future.

He stated that the process was halted previously due to various reasons.

According to Gamagedera Dissanayake, the request to reinstate these requirements followed discussions with the registrars of the chapters under the guidance of the Chief Prelates.

This move follows reports of anti-religious activities, including the recent arrest of individuals dressed as monks who arrived in the country with a stock of narcotics.