Protesters oppose removal of Bodu Bala Sena leader’s robes while in prison
By The Pulseline News Desk
A protest march led by Buddhist monks began from the premises of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on Saturday (10), opposing the removal of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera’s Buddhist robes while in prison and demanding his release.
The protest commenced following a special religious blessing ceremony held at the historic Magul Maduwa in Kandy, where monks and supporters gathered to express their opposition to the treatment of the Bodu Bala Sena leader.
Addressing the gathering, Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera has strongly criticised what he described as arbitrary actions by the Government against Gnanasara Thera.
He has claimed that Gnanasara Thera had spoken out in defence of the country, its people and Buddhism, comparing his role to that of Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera, a Buddhist monk remembered for his role in Sri Lanka’s history.
The march began near the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the statue of Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera and was expected to proceed towards the location where Gnanasara Thera is being held.
Sumangala Thera has said the campaign would continue until Gnanasara Thera was released, urging the public to join the protest peacefully.
The demonstration comes amid controversy over the removal of Gnanasara Thera’s robes while in prison, an issue that has drawn opposition from sections of the Buddhist clergy.
The protesters are demanding his release and calling on the authorities to reconsider their actions against the monk.
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