Monks cry foul over new bill presented to Parliament

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Buddhist monks have raised concerns on the new bill presented to Parliament which they claim is an attempt to have control over the monks.

The National Bhikku Front said that the bill has been submitted without having proper consultations with the Buddhist clergy.

The National Bhikku Fron claimed the the bill is being used to divert attention from?key issues faced by the Government which took office last year.

The Theravadi Bhikkhu Kathikawath bill, which provides for every monk to act in compliance with the registered Chapter which relates to the monk, was presented in Parliament this week.

The Government said that the main purpose of the proposed law is not to control or give punishment to a monk?but to protect the Buddha Sasana.

The Government said that monks who act in violation of the provisions of any registered Buddhist Chapter will be subjected to punishment. (Colombo Gazette)