SriLanka, Oct. 25 -- An Extraordinary Gazette was issued by the Government yesterday (24), introducing new regulations allowing imprisoned Buddhist monks and clergy in Sri Lanka to wear their religious attire under specified conditions.

The Gazette, dated October 20, 2026, amends the Standing Orders of the Department of Prisons under the Prisons Ordinance (Chapter 54), following approval from the Minister of Justice and National Integration.

Under the new regulations, when a Buddhist monk is imprisoned, the Commissioner of Prisons must consult the Department of Buddhist Affairs regarding the removal of robes. The Department of Buddhist Affairs must inform the relevant Nikaya or Chapter and communicate its decision to the Commissioner wi...