Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was unable to provide a definitive answer regarding a request to rectify an alleged technical flaw in the presidential pardon granted to Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, following discussions with Buddhist monks in Colombo.
The talks took place after members of the Maha Sangha staged a demonstration that culminated near the Presidential Secretariat. The demonstration, organized as the “Nidhase Paada Yaathraa” (March for Freedom), saw monks march into the area demanding the release of the imprisoned Gnanasara Thera. Tensions briefly escalated when the monks sat on the road in protest after the Presidential Secretary initially did not step forward to hold discussions with them.
During the subsequent meeting, the monks specifically requested the correction of an alleged technical defect in the pardon previously granted to Gnanasara Thera by former President Maithripala Sirisena. Pointing out that they were aware Dr. Kumanayake had already discussed the matter with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the delegation sought a clear timeframe for resolving the legal and administrative issues.
Key Developments
- Members of the Maha Sangha organized the “Nidhase Paada Yaathraa” (March for Freedom) to demand the release of the imprisoned Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.
- Monks staged a sit-in protest near the Presidential Secretariat after initial delays in holding official discussions.
- Demonstrators urged authorities to rectify an alleged technical flaw in the pardon issued by former President Maithripala Sirisena.
- Despite awareness of prior discussions between Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, no clear timeline or definitive response was provided.
Dr. Kumanayake maintained that he could not provide a definitive response regarding the pardon or its resolution timeline at this stage, leaving the matter open as the monks press for immediate executive clarification.