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Buddhist monks say open economic policies made them dependent on imported robes
PIndustries Minister Wimal Weerawansa inspecting imported robes during a meeting held at his ministry last Thursday. Anunanayake of the Kotte Chapter Prof. Ven. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera looks on.
Aleading Buddhist monks says the members of the Maha Sangha have to wear imported robes as local producers lack the wherewithal to cater to the demand for robes.
There were around 40,000 Buddhist monks in the country and their annual requirement of saffron robes was around 100,000 and the majority of them had to buy robes made abroad, the prelate told Industries Minister Wimal Weerawansa, at a meeting, on Thursday.
Anunanayake of the Kotte Chapter Prof. Ven. Kotapitiye Rahula Thera said that for decades Salusala had been able to produce enough robes for the Sri Lankan bhikkhus. But following the introduction of the open market economic policies, the monks had become dependent on robes imported from countries such as Thailand due to a shortfall in the supply.
Rahula Thera said Thailand, Myanmar and Laos had developed their industries, and it was so unfortunate that Sri Lanka, despite being a leading Theravada Buddhist country could not have its own industry to produce the robes needed for its bhikkhus.
Minister Weerawansa instructed officials to recommence producing robes using standard raw materials so that the bhikkhus could wear Sri Lankan robes while the industry could thrive in creating further employment opportunities.
The prelate thanked the minister for his prompt action and said he hoped that the issue would be sorted out urgently so that both Sri Lankan monks and manufacturers would benefit.
A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.
Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.
Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.
[President’s Media Division]
[ Cricbuzz]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.
INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.
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