Joint Opposition Accuses Opposition of Politicising Gnanasara Thera’s Prison Attire

Joint Opposition co-convener Niluksha Kumara has accused the Opposition of attempting to create political unrest by using the imprisonment and change of attire of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera as a political issue.

Speaking at a media briefing, Kumara alleged that what he described as a defeated and politically bankrupt Opposition was attempting to gain political advantage by focusing on the monk being dressed in prison attire.

“There have been various reports and statements regarding Ven. Gnanasara Thera, particularly claims that he was made to wear prison attire,” Kumara said.

He alleged that the matter was being used as a means of attacking the Government and questioned whether the Opposition could use such allegations to regain public support.

Kumara further alleged that the Opposition was attempting to return to the political arena by using the issue surrounding Gnanasara Thera’s prison attire.

He noted that Gnanasara Thera had been sentenced to imprisonment and argued that certain procedures and conditions applied to those serving prison sentences.

Referring to former Army Commander and former Parliamentarian Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Kumara said that Fonseka had also been required to wear prison attire during his imprisonment.

“Gnanasara Thera is not the first prisoner to wear a prison uniform. Others who received prison sentences have also gone through the same process,” he said.

Kumara also claimed that the previous presidential pardon granted to Gnanasara Thera had not been issued through the correct procedure.

The controversy over Gnanasara Thera’s attire emerged after prison authorities produced him before court in prison clothing. Government representatives and prison officials have said the procedure was carried out under the Prisons Ordinance and applicable prison regulations.