Bodu Bala Sena Calls for Release of Gnanasara Thero, Questions Government’s Position

The Bodu Bala Sena has called on the government to reconsider the imprisonment of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, with Buddhist monks at a media briefing arguing that his previous presidential pardon should be reviewed and that steps should be taken to secure his release.

Speaking at the briefing, Venerable Bibile Deniyé Dhammapriya Thero described Gnanasara Thero as a forward-thinking monk who, he claimed, had raised concerns about potential extremist activities in Sri Lanka.

Dhammapriya Thero said the organisation’s statements were not intended to offend any religious community. He stressed that different religions had historically coexisted in Sri Lanka but argued that concerns about extremist elements had led to legal disputes involving Gnanasara Thero.

He also recalled alleged warnings from members of the traditional Muslim community about possible attacks on the Kandy Esala Perahera and threats against several villages. He said the information had been brought to the attention of the Defence Secretary and intelligence officials.

According to the monk, these developments occurred around a period of political change, after which individuals involved in investigating the alleged activities faced legal consequences. He maintained that the public debate surrounding Gnanasara Thero should also consider the broader circumstances in which he became involved in these cases.

Dhammapriya Thero said the organisation did not intend to challenge court decisions directly but expressed concern about the treatment of Buddhist monks in contemporary society.

Meanwhile, Venerable Medille Thero criticised what he described as attempts to create negative public perceptions of Gnanasara Thero. He said a protest was being organised in support of the imprisoned monk and argued that calls for his release were justified.

Medille Thero urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to examine the circumstances surrounding the previous pardon and consider whether any alleged technical or procedural errors could be corrected. He also called for the views of legal professionals and senior Buddhist prelates to be taken into account.

He questioned statements by government representatives indicating that the monk would not be granted an immediate release and urged the authorities to clarify