Tuesday Oct 27, 2026
Tuesday Oct 27, 2026
Tuesday, 27 October 2026 01:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The United National Party (UNP) yesterday demanded an immediate presidential pardon for Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, facilitated by the intervention of the Maha Nayake Theros of the Three Chapters, to resolve the ongoing crisis.
In a statement, the party said the Sathyagraha, a non-violent sit-in protest, demanding the Thera’s release had been suspended following a notification by the Maha Nayake Theros.
Citing former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, the UNP said the maximum prison sentence for contempt of court was 18 months, and that Gnanasara Thera had already served more than 10 months in prison for the offence.
The party said steps had previously been taken to secure a presidential pardon for the Thera at the request of the Maha Nayake Theros, and claimed that the Supreme Court ruling had indicated another presidential pardon could be considered.
The UNP also criticised the Government for obtaining court orders against Buddhist monks who had not taken part in the protest march and Sathyagraha demanding the Thera’s release, describing the move as a serious mistake. It further called for an investigation into those responsible for ordering the removal of the Thera’s robes.
