An extraordinary gazette notification was issued amending the standing orders of the Prisons Department, including instructions on how to act regarding the removal of robes and the use of clothing when a Buddhist monk is imprisoned as a prisoner or released from prison. This was issued by Acting Commissioner General of Prisons R. Prasad Hemantha Kumara under the powers vested by the Prisons Ordinance, with the approval of the Minister of Justice and National Integration. According to the new amendment, when a monk is imprisoned as a prisoner, the Department of Buddhist Affairs must be consulted regarding the removal of the robes he was wearing until then. Thereafter, the Department of Buddhist Affairs must inform the relevant sect or Chapter, and the measures taken by that sect within 10 days must be notified to the Commissioner of Prisons. The gazette notification also states that if no response is received within that period, the Commissioner of Prisons has the ability to act according to the relevant provisions. Furthermore, when a Buddhist monk is released from prison (upon discharge or presentation to court), he is permitted to wear the same robes he was wearing at the time of imprisonment, and the gazette mentions that if approval has not been granted by the relevant sect for that, action must be taken in accordance with the prescribed provisions regarding that as well. The notification further indicates that these provisions apply with necessary modifications when clergy of other religions are imprisoned and released.