Candidates contesting future elections must be asked to submit Police reports to ensure criminals do not become lawmakers, a leading Buddhist monk said.

The Chief Prelate of the Mihintale Raja Maha Vihara, the Venerable Valahagunawewa Dhammarathana thero, says voters have a great opportunity to demand broader political reforms in Sri Lanka.

"We must make it mandatory for every politician contesting the elections to submit a Police report to prevent criminals from becoming lawmakers," he said.