New Delhi, Feb. 23 -- Hundreds of Buddhist monks rallied in the capital of Sri Lanka on Friday to protest alleged government disrespect of their religion and disregard for a long-standing tradition that they be consulted in matters of state.

The protest passed without any reported violence.

The constitution of the island nation of around 22 million people states that Buddhism is the state religion, though freedom of religion is protected by law. The charter also states that the government has an obligation to protect and foster Buddhism.

More than 70% of the population is Buddhist and their clergy are influential in social, cultural and political affairs. There are also minority Hindus, Muslims and Christians living in Sri Lanka.

The ...