A protest march led by Buddhist monks began from the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy on Saturday (Oct. 10), opposing the removal of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera’s Buddhist robes while in prison and demanding his release.
A special religious blessing ceremony was held at the historic Magul Maduwa in Kandy before the march began.
Addressing the gathering, Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera strongly condemned what he described as arbitrary actions taken by the government against Gnanasara Thera.
He claimed that Gnanasara Thera had spoken out in defence of the country, the nation and Buddhism, drawing comparisons with the historical role of Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera.
The march, which began near the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the statue of Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera, is expected to proceed to the location where Gnanasara Thera is being held.
Sumangala Thera said the campaign would continue until Gnanasara Thera was released and urged the public to join the protest peacefully. (Newswire)