The United National Party (UNP) has called for an immediate presidential pardon for Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, urging the government to resolve the issue through the intervention of the Chief Prelates of the three main Buddhist chapters.
In a statement issued on October 26, the UNP noted that the satyagraha campaign demanding the monk’s release had been temporarily suspended following instructions from the Chief Prelates.
The party cited former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva’s interpretation that the maximum prison sentence for contempt of court is 18 months, claiming that Ven. Gnanasara Thera had already served more than 10 months in prison for the offence.
The UNP also referred to a previous presidential pardon granted to the monk following a request from the Chief Prelates.
According to the party, the Supreme Court had also indicated in its judgment that granting another presidential pardon to Ven. Gnanasara Thera could be considered.
The UNP criticised the government for obtaining court orders against Buddhist monks who had not participated in the protest march or satyagraha campaign demanding his release.
Describing these actions as serious mistakes, the party also called for an investigation into those responsible for ordering the removal of Ven. Gnanasara Thera’s monastic robes.
The UNP stressed that the government should immediately grant a presidential pardon to Ven. Gnanasara Thera, with the involvement of the Chief Prelates, to bring the ongoing dispute to an end. (Newswire)