COLOMBO, May 27 -- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday (27) announced plans to introduce legal reforms aimed at strengthening discipline within the Buddhist clergy, including the revival of a formal disciplinary mechanism for monks.

Addressing the State Vesak Festival at the Midellawala Temple in Matara, the President said the government would move swiftly to amend the Vihara and Devalagam Act of 1931 following requests made by the Mahanayake Theras.

He said the proposed amendments would pave the way for the re-establishment of a 'Dharmadhikaranaya' - a disciplinary authority empowered to handle matters concerning the conduct and discipline of Buddhist monks.

"The necessary laws will be enacted promptly to ensure the mainte...