The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 I thank the Hon. Prime Minister for answering the first part. I will answer from Question 4 onward.

¶ 02 4. (i) Yes. (ii) Yes. The Government acts regarding the protection of committed monks and concerning monks engaged in anti-Sasana activities in accordance with the guidance of the Venerable Mahanayaka Theros of the Three Nikayas. The Government will strengthen existing laws as per their guidance.

¶ 03 We have also established the Buddhasasana Council, convening representation across the Three Nikayas per the Venerable Maha Nayaka Theros’ instructions, to further strengthen this process.

¶ 04 (iii) Not applicable. (iv) Yes, they should be further strengthened. (v) Not applicable.

¶ 05 5. (i) Not sufficient. (ii) Cabinet approval has been obtained to amend Sections 41 and 42 of the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, No. 19 of 1931. In accordance with the guidance of the Venerable Mahanayaka Theros, the Department of Drafting has prepared the amendments, which have now been referred to the Attorney General for observations. Following the AG’s observations, we will proceed; only a small final step remains.

¶ 06 6. An allocation of Rs. 3,484 million has been made for 2025; financial progress as at 2025.09.30 is Rs. 968.820 million.

¶ 07 Note: While the financial progress figure appears modest against the total allocation, Rs. 1,130 million allocated under the India-funded Solar Power Project falls under this Head. A balance of approximately Rs. 853 million remains, already committed. All projects are expected to be completed by the third week of December, with financial and physical progress exceeding 90%.

¶ 08 Regarding the Indian solar power project: 13 sites have been identified under observation with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and allied agencies. (Statement continued.)