President to meet representatives of Chief Prelates to discuss issues outlined in letter to prisons chief

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to convene an official meeting with designated representatives of the Chief Prelates (Mahanayake Theros) of the three Buddhist Nikayas. The dialogue has been organized to address the escalating concerns surrounding the treatment and handling of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero while in state custody.

The meeting follows a formal letter dispatched by the senior clergy to the Commissioner General of Prisons, in which the prelates expressed deep distress over procedural and dignitary violations. Among the prominent grievances was the controversial decision by prison officials to produce the monk before the court dressed in standard prisoner garb rather than monastic robes.

Government sources indicate that the President will listen to the recommendations of the prelates' delegation and review existing prison regulations governing ordained clergy. The administration is seeking an amicable resolution that maintains respect for Buddhist ecclesiastical traditions while upholding the rule of law and court directives.