Monks continue protest for Gnanasara Thera’s release as talks stall

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Buddhist monks continued their protest outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday demanding the release of Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, after talks with Presidential Secretariat officials ended without agreement.

Representatives of the protesting monks met the President’s Chief of Staff, who reportedly told them the Government would need more time to consider their demands. The discussions concluded without agreement on a timeframe for a decision, prompting the monks to continue their demonstration.

Tensions rose after the protesters erected a temporary hut on Galle Road outside the Secretariat. Police ordered its removal, following which the protesters moved the structure elsewhere.

The monks have said they will not leave the location until the Government makes a positive announcement on Gnanasara Thera’s release. The demonstration was continuing at the time of writing late evening yesterday, causing disruptions to traffic.