Saturday Oct 24, 2026
Saturday Oct 24, 2026
Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera
Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala yesterday observed that the court had no authority to issue an order on reinstating the robe of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, which was removed by prison officials.
The observation was made when the case against Gnanasara Thera over allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam was taken up.
Senior Counsel Asoka Weerasooriya, appearing for the accused, submitted that the Kotte Mahanayake Thera had made a written request to prison authorities for the ceremonial reinstatement of the robe in line with Buddhist traditions and without violating prison regulations, but had received no response.
The Judge said a large number of Buddhist monks serving prison sentences would be affected if such a request were considered. “There are many other Buddhist monks serving prison sentences for various offences. Would that mean that all those monks would have to be robed by the Mahanayake Theras before being produced in court for further proceedings?” the Judge said.
Prison authorities had informed court through a motion that the accused would be produced electronically due to the tense situation arising from the incident and concerns over possible disturbances. He was produced via a WhatsApp video call, as the necessary electronic equipment could not be obtained.
The court directed the parties to make submissions on the next date on the possibility of a plea agreement under the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act No. 50 of 2024. The case will be recalled on 29 January.
The Attorney General filed the case under the Penal Code, alleging that remarks Gnanasara Thera made concerning the Holy Quran insulted the Islamic religion. State Counsel Supun Ranasinghe appeared for the Attorney General.
