In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has declared that the Commissioner General of the Department for the Registration of Persons violated fundamental human rights by refusing to issue a National Identity Card under the title “Bhikkhuni” to a Buddhist nun affiliated with the Rangiri Dambulla Sangha Council.
The petitioner, Bhikkhuni Welimada Dhammadinna, had applied for a National Identity Card to be issued under her ordained title. However, the request was rejected by the department, prompting a fundamental rights petition filed by her and the Chief Prelate of the Rangiri Dambulla Sangha Council, Ven Inamaluwe Sumangala Thero.
After reviewing the case, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled by majority that the denial constituted a violation of fundamental rights. The court ordered the Commissioner General to take immediate steps to issue the National Identity Card bearing the religious title “Bhikkhuni.”
The verdict is being hailed by advocates of religious equality and women’s rights as a significant affirmation of the legal recognition of Buddhist nuns in Sri Lanka.
Leave a comment