Harmonising tradition and child welfare: ordination of Buddhist child monks in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In Sri Lanka, where a majority follows Theravada Buddhism, there are rituals and norms related to the ordination of monks, as well as a process of certification. An 8-year-old male novice monk was presented for clinical forensic examination following an assault at a temple by several other fellow novice monks. Further investigation revealed that this recently-ordained monk did not possess proper certification of ordination and financial exploitation of the young monks’ priesthood status and the alleged assault were suspected. This case discusses several suggestions, including the legal reinforcement of a probationary period, streamlining the registration process, and setting a minimum age for ordination, to safeguard the welfare of child monks while supporting the norms and traditions of priesthood.