President raises concerns about Buddhist monks leaving universities as “laymen”

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has questioned the actions of monks in the recent past, accusing several of them who enter universities do so as monks, however, leave as laymen.

“They cannot use the robes they are in as a shield to behave in an unruly manner,” the President said while speaking in Parliament this morning (Nov 29).

He further added that during their years in local universities, monks get too involved in societal issues and concerns, thus leading them astray.

President Wickremesinghe suggested that monks who enter universities be awarded their degrees in the relevant field, with no option of transferring or changing, adding that such requests need to be handled by their respective Chief Priests.

He made these remarks while speaking on the necessity of enacting a Bill to register a discourse that empowers the Maha Sangha to protect Sangha discipline.

The Head of State said the relevant Bill would be presented to the parliament after receiving the approval from its legislative services department.

Acknowledging that many issues prevail in Buddha Sasana, President Wickremesinghe noted that it is problematic when Maha Sangha does not act pursuant to Dhamma.