cannot heed the requests of the Petitioners in the absence of such stipulations in the said Ordinance. He has also stated that he cannot take independent decisions with regard to this matter without the consultations of the Most Venerable MahanayakaTheros. The respondents are also of the view that the re-establishment of the Bhikkuni Order would be a hindrance to the development and the administration of the Theravada practice of the Buddha Sasana. Another important fact the Respondents have put forth is that some of those who have been ordained are acting in an arbitrary manner with overseas incentives they have received. Findings of the HRC 1. Facts of both applications bearing Nos. HRC/4429/09 and HRC/1188/10 have been considered together. 2. In HRC/4429/09, it has been brought forth by PoojyaInamaluwe Shree SumangalaTheroto prove that the status of Bhikkunis has been an accepted term in this country as seen in the numerous documents such as educational certificates and other documents where the term Bhikkunihas been stated by leading monks and issued in the past. 3. Although the Bhikkuni Order was suspended temporarily, it was clearly revived in or around the year of 1998, and presently there are more than 2500 Bhikkunis, 450 Bhikkuni Aramayas and more than 600 Bhikkunis ordained as having received Upasampada. 4. The Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs has issued written instructions to the Department of Registration of Persons, to refrain from issuing Bhikkuni Identity Cards. Furthermore, he has refused registration of the Bhikkuni Aramayas. 5. It is a fact that Sri Lanka has 31 Triangulations Communities and 31 Mahanayaka Theros. The Respondents have sought the advice of only four MahanayakaTheros to settle this dispute of national importance. 6. The need for the ordainment of Bhikkunis has been a long-term struggle, amidst severe objections. 7. According to complaint No.HRC/1188/10, the Sil Mathas are not in favour with the continuation of the Bhikkuni Community, although those seeking the acceptance of the Bhikkuni Sangha have informed the Sil Mathas that they too can be ordained as Bhikkunis and obtain the highest status in religion possible for a woman. 8. A need has arisen for the appointment of a suitable Religious Board/ Committee to work with the Respondents in arriving at a decision in respect of Bhikkunis and SilMathas. 73