Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for urgent reforms within the Buddhist monastic order, warning that the Buddha Sasana is facing increasingly serious challenges that require immediate attention.

In a statement addressed to the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas, Kumaratunga stressed the need for a broad internal dialogue on the current condition of the Sasana and the root causes behind its ongoing crisis.

She claimed that since Independence, certain groups benefiting from internal issues within the Sasana had allegedly obstructed meaningful reform efforts.

The former President warned that the challenges facing the Buddha Sasana today are more serious than in previous periods, making long-term reforms increasingly necessary.

Kumaratunga stated that addressing only isolated incidents or attempting to prevent such matters from becoming public would not solve the deeper structural problems affecting the institution.

Instead, she called for a comprehensive discussion aimed at identifying the root causes and developing both short-term and long-term solutions.

She also urged Buddhist leaders to consider convening a Dhamma Sangayana, or Buddhist Council, as a way of safeguarding the future stability and continuity of the Buddha Sasana.

Kumaratunga further said she is prepared to work alongside senior lay Buddhist leaders to help organise and facilitate the proposed initiative.