The chief prelates of the three main Buddhist sects have emphasized that security forces must urgently carry out investigations and take legal action against drug networks and drug distributors who are allegedly and systematically recruiting young monks into illegal activities.
Issuing a joint statement, the Mahanayake Theros strongly condemned what they described as an unscriptural and illegal act committed by a group of monk impersonators who misused the Buddhist robe and engaged in drug trafficking.
They further stated that investigations will be conducted into all individuals involved in this act and those found guilty will be expelled from the monastic order.
The statement was signed by the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangalabhidhana Maha Thero, Maha Nayaka of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Sect; the Gnanarathana Abhidhana Maha Thero, Maha Nayaka of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect; the Most Venerable Makulawe Wimala Maha Thero, Maha Nayaka of the Ramanna Sect ; and the Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithrimurthi Maha Thero, Maha Nayaka of the Amarapura Sect
The statement further notes that all individuals involved in this illegal act, which they say has abused the traditional respect and acceptance given to monks in Sri Lankan society as well as the sacred devotion of Buddhists toward the Buddhist robe, should be duly punished.
It also highlights that this incident once again underscores the need to establish a proper mechanism to investigate such cases and expel from the order those who misuse the Buddhist identity and the robe for unlawful activities.
In addition, they have stated that every young monk should be continuously monitored, and if any conduct against the Sasana is observed, teachers and senior monks must investigate and take steps to guide such young monks towards proper discipline and restraint.
Earlier today, Sri Lanka Police has revealed that the 22 individuals who appeared to be monks, who were arrested with stocks of Kush and Hashish narcotics, will be detained for seven days for questioning, under detention orders.
The suspects are aged between 19 and 28.
The group was apprehended at the Bandaranayake International Airport in Katunayake by officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), while attempting to smuggle a massive haul of Kush and Hashish valued at over Rs. 1.1 billion.
The arrests were made based on an intelligence tip-off received by the PNB, as the group arrived at BIA in Katunayake from Thailand.