Recommendation Requirement to Be Reintroduced for Buddhist Monks Traveling Abroad

Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Kamakethara Dissanayake has stated that steps are being taken to reintroduce the requirement for Buddhist monks to obtain recommendations when traveling abroad.

According to the proposed measure, monks will be required to secure approval from their Chief Incumbent (Viharadhipathi), the regional Chief Prelate (Nayaka Thera), and the heads of the relevant monastic chapters before leaving the country.

He noted that this practice had been suspended in the past due to various reasons.

The Deputy Minister further stated that discussions were held with the Mahanayake Theras following several incidents that were considered detrimental to the Buddhist order, including cases where some monks were arrested after returning to the country from abroad with наркотics.

These developments have prompted authorities to reconsider stricter regulations for overseas travel involving members of the Buddhist clergy.