Gnanasara Thera granted bail

Firebrand monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero who was sentenced to six months rigorous imprisonment two weeks ago was granted bail yesterday by the Homagama Magistrate’s Court. 

The General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organisation, the monk was released when the appeal was taken for hearing by the Court. 

He was ordered released on two personal bonds of Rs. 500,000 each by Homagama Magistrate Sudesh Ranatunga. The Thera is barred from leaving the country. 

The Magistrate ordered to notify the Immigration and Emigration Controller regarding the decision. 

Ven. Gnanasara Thero was sentenced to six months of rigorous imprisonment on 14 June for threatening Sandya Ekneligoda, the wife of missing journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, within the Homagama Court premises.  

Although Attorneys representing the Thero filed an appeal challenging the verdict the following day, the hearing was postponed as representatives from Attorney General’s Department failed to be present for the hearing last Monday, resulting in postponement.