Everyone Equal Before the Law and the Courts: Cabinet Spokesman

05-Jun-2026

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Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has stressed that investigations into child abuse allegations against Buddhist monks are being conducted impartially and that all individuals are equal before the law.

The Minister made these remarks while responding to questions at the Cabinet media briefing held on June 2.

According to information released by the National Child Protection Authority under the Right to Information Act, allegations of child abuse have been recorded against approximately 300 Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka, although legal proceedings have been initiated against only 27 individuals.

Jayatissa stated that the police had conducted comprehensive investigations into these incidents, recording statements, filing cases, arresting suspects, and presenting them before courts.

He noted that the National Child Protection Authority is a state institution and not a non-governmental organisation, and that government agencies have handled the investigations and dissemination of information.

“Everyone is equal before the law. Whether a person is a Buddhist monk, a religious leader, or belongs to any religious community, the law will neither be applied more harshly nor more leniently,” he said.

He further stated that legal measures concerning Buddhist monks would be undertaken in consultation with the Maha Nayake Theras and relevant Sangha bodies, and that the Government expected to act in accordance with their guidance and recommendations.