The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya

¶ 01 Two issues were raised. On actions regarding other responsible officials: the NIE is a statutory body established by law and its Council governs its affairs. We cannot directly act against staff; under the Act, the Council must act. Therefore, with Council approval, we appointed former Secretary Mr. Ranjith Ariyaratne to conduct the primary inquiry. The Council will decide on disciplinary action, and we will oversee.

¶ 02 Regarding the Dharma Chakra/Ashoka Chakra: the symbol included in the book is the emblem approved by the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs, and by its Advisory Council on Buddhism. I met the Mahanayake Theros of Asgiriya and Malwathu yesterday; when I discussed this, they confirmed this is the approved symbol. It resembles the Ashoka Chakra, but this is the officially approved symbol here. The Minister of Buddhist Affairs is not in the House now, but we obtained approval from the Ministry’s Advisory Council on Buddhism as well. The Mahanayake Theros also affirmed it is an approved symbol, Hon. Speaker.