GL Peiris Questions Authority to Remove Gnanasara Thera’s Robe; Patali Champika Ranawaka Criticises Government

Professor G. L. Peiris has questioned who has the authority to order the removal of the robe of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, arguing that such a decision rests with the relevant Buddhist ecclesiastical authorities.

Speaking at a media briefing organised by the United Opposition, Peiris said the court had imposed a prison sentence on Gnanasara Thera, describing the matter of the sentence as a judicial issue. However, he questioned who had ordered the removal of the monk’s robe, insisting that only Buddhist monks and the relevant Sangha authorities had the power to make such a decision.

Peiris referred to Buddhist disciplinary rules, saying that the robe could be removed in the event of a Parajika offence, which he described as a serious disciplinary violation. He used the traditional comparison of cutting off the crown of a palm tree to explain the consequences of such an offence.

He argued that the authority to make such a determination rested with the Sangha council of the relevant Nikaya. According to Peiris, Gnanasara Thera belongs to the Kotte chapter, and no Parajika offence had been reported against him.

Peiris said the court had sentenced the monk for contempt of court. He also claimed that the relevant Nikaya had not been invited to discuss the matter.

Peiris Calls for a Full Pardon

Referring to the Constitution, Peiris said the state had a responsibility to protect and preserve Buddhism. He also argued that the country's laws and prison regulations clearly set out the procedures to be followed when dealing with Buddhist monks in custody.

He cited claims concerning former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorala, saying that a monk had previously been allowed to wear robes when visiting or being held in prison.

Peiris questioned the need to appoint a committee to examine the issue, arguing that the existing legal framework was sufficient. He said the controversy should not be treated as a matter concerning only a robe, but as an issue affecting Buddhist heritage.

He called for a full pardon for Gnanasara Thera. Referring to the pardon previously granted by former President Sirisena, Peiris said it had been issued with the knowledge of the Mahanayake Theras of the three Buddhist Nikayas. He also raised questions about whether a person who had received a pardon should be held responsible for technical errors in judicial proceedings.

Champika Ranawaka Criticises Government’s Handling of the Issue

Former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka also criticised the government’s handling of the controversy, questioning its claim that the President would act in accordance with the law.

Ranawaka argued that introducing new laws would not resolve the issue, questioning whether the government was instead attempting to shape the law to suit its own purposes.

He referred to the President’s reported description of the incident as causing a major shock, asking whether those making such statements were unfamiliar with the country's cultural traditions.

Ranawaka also made allegations concerning the political movement's involvement in the 1988–1989 insurrection, claiming that members of the party had participated and arguing that they should be in prison.

He suggested that further information would emerge in the future and thanked the President for what he described as paving the way for it to come to light.

Ranawaka further accused the President of presenting two different sides of his character, comparing the situation to having “double pockets” and suggesting that he was trying to portray himself as a good person.

He also alleged that media reports had been circulated claiming that Gnanasara Thera had been made to wear prison clothing without anyone asking him, while social media posts had described the monk using the term “underworld monk”.