Former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva has questioned the legality of the six-year prison sentence imposed on Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, claiming that the punishment exceeds the maximum sentence permitted under the law.
Speaking at a convention organized by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress in Colombo on Monday (12), Silva said the sentence was completely unlawful.
“The punishment imposed on Gnanasara Thera is completely illegal. It is an extraordinary situation,” Silva said.
“The magistrate wrote a letter to the President of the Court of Appeal, Preethi Padman Surasena, stating that such an incident had occurred in his court and that, since his sentencing powers were limited, he was referring the matter to the Court of Appeal for a more severe punishment.”
“That is where the problem lies. What is the legal position here? The punishment for contempt of court is a fine not exceeding Rs. 1,500 or simple imprisonment for a period not exceeding 18 months. That is only one and a half years,” he said.
“However, Preethi Padman Surasena has imposed a six-year sentence when the law provides for only 18 months. That provision applies only to contempt of the Court of Appeal. There is no provision concerning the other matters,” Silva claimed.
The former Chief Justice also defended the presidential pardon previously granted to Gnanasara Thera by former President Maithripala Sirisena.
Silva’s remarks were made during the National Convention on Protecting Buddhism and Sinhala Buddhist Heritage, attended by members of the Maha Sangha, politicians and representatives of several organizations. (Newswire)