Sinhala Deepa Movement and United Alternative Seek Presidential Pardon for Gnanasara Thera

The Sinhala Deepa National Movement and the United Alternative have submitted a petition to the Presidential Secretariat requesting a presidential pardon for Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, calling on the President to intervene in the matter and take steps to safeguard the Buddhist Sasana.

The delegation handed over a document bearing signatures and subsequently addressed the media, explaining its request for a new pardon for the Buddhist monk.

Jayantha Liyanage, General Secretary of the Sinhala Deepa National Movement, said the petition had been submitted to raise concerns over the situation facing Gnanasara Thera.

He said the groups were asking the authorities to address and rectify any shortcomings in the earlier presidential pardon process so that the monk could receive a fresh pardon.

Liyanage expressed hope that the intervention would help protect the Buddhist Sasana and ensure fairness for all parties concerned.

Party Representative Defends Gnanasara Thera

Shalika Perera, General Secretary of the Lanka People's Party, also spoke in support of the request.

Perera argued that Gnanasara Thera had been imprisoned not for theft or sexual assault, but for speaking out on behalf of war veterans. He further claimed that the monk’s controversial remarks had been directed at non-governmental organisations.

Referring to the controversy surrounding the monk’s robe, Perera said the incident had damaged the government’s standing rather than the monk’s reputation. He reiterated that any shortcomings in the previous presidential pardon should be corrected.

Perera also made allegations concerning the individuals and groups he believed were involved in the controversy surrounding Gnanasara Thera. These claims were made during the media briefing and were not independently verified for this report.

Appeal for Presidential Intervention

The delegation called on the President to intervene, arguing that the matter should be addressed in a manner that protects Buddhist religious institutions and ensures justice.

The petition represents an appeal by the participating groups for a renewed presidential pardon. Whether the request will be accepted, and what legal or procedural steps may be required, remains to be established.