The Government is set to amend the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance (as amended) in response to calls from religious institutions urging the Government and law enforcement authorities to take necessary action against individuals and organisations allegedly distorting religious teachings and practices.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (26), Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Minister, Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said that Articles 42 and 43 of the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance (42 – Offence of passing off as a bhikkhu, 43 – Power to make regulations) should be amended to address these particular issues.
The minister further noted that other religious leaders, including the Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, had raised similar concerns. He also mentioned that the Government is prepared to support religious institutions in addressing such matters when necessary.
“The amendment is underway. Currently, compliance with the Constitution is being examined. The primary objective is to tackle issues caused by pseudo-monks who distort religions. Similar concerns were raised regarding individuals like Jerome Fernando. We have clearly stated that the Government is ready to assist religious institutions in resolving these issues,” the minister said.
The matter has taken urgency following complaints lodged by several Buddhist monks with the Chief Prelates of the Asgiri and Malwatte Chapters of the Siam Sect. These complaints concerned an incident where a Buddhist monk was seen participating in a session led by an allegedly self-proclaimed ‘Prophet’ Jerome Fernando. In response, the two Chapters had called on the Government to take action against individuals and organisations allegedly distorting religious teachings and practices.
Fernando found himself at the centre of controversy in May 2023 after a video of him making allegedly ‘derogatory’ remarks about religious figures during one of his sermons circulated widely on social media, sparking nationwide criticism.