Move to Reinstate Approval Process for Monks Traveling Abroad

Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake says steps are being taken to reintroduce a system requiring Buddhist monks to obtain recommendations before traveling overseas.

Under the proposed measure, monks would need approval from their Viharadhipathi, Regional Nayaka Thero, and the chief monks of their respective divisions prior to departure. This practice had previously been suspended.

The minister stated that discussions were held with senior monastic leaders, including the Mahanayaka Thero, following reports of disciplinary concerns—among them incidents involving monks arrested after returning from abroad with illegal drugs.

During these discussions, a request was made to reinstate the recommendation process in order to strengthen oversight and maintain the integrity of the monastic community.