Theravada Bhikkhu Kathikawatha Bill:

JHU calls for Sangha Convention tomorrow

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) has called a special Sangha Convention to be held in Colombo tomorrow (January 25), to seek the views of the clergy and intellectuals from the laity on the Theravada Bhikkhu Kathikawatha Bill which was presented in Parliament recently.

The JHU Central Committee which met on January 12 had extensive discussions on this issue. There are positive aspects in the Bill JHU Leader Ven. Omalpe Thera said adding that at this juncture, the country needs this kind of legislation to ensure the future progress of the Buddha Sasana.

"The Bill was presented with the consent of the Mahanayake Theras but there are some lapses which should be discussed separately with amendments, the Ven. Thera told the Sunday Observer yesterday. He said the JHU had decided to call a Sangha Convention to have extensive dialogue on the Bill and seek the views of Buddhist intellectuals specialised in the subject. He said the JHU maintained the preamble of the Bill should be changed and that 'penalties and punishment' on Bhikkhus should be amended as initiating disciplinary action against Bhikkhus.

Changes should also be made to the special committee appointed to decide on the human and religious aspects of the registered Bhikkhu Kathikawathas he said explaining that the committee should be appointed by the Mahanayake Theras and not by the Buddhasasana Minister. The JHU is of the view that Bhikkhus should not be brought before the Magistrate's Courts and the decision given by the Sanghadhikarana is sufficient to take disciplinary action against them. The Sangha Convention tomorrow would lay emphasis on several shortcomings in the Bill. If there are any lapses, it is appropriate to bring amendments and redraft the Bill, he said.