A group of protesters demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera has reached the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, where a demonstration is underway outside the premises.
The protesters, who continued their journey towards Colombo despite heavy rain, gathered outside the President’s Office to call for the imprisoned monk’s release.
The demonstration comes amid growing calls for the release of Gnanasara Thera and concerns raised by Buddhist religious leaders over the removal of his robes following his imprisonment.
The government has already announced proposed amendments to prison regulations that would allow imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear their religious robes when leaving prison for court appearances or other purposes.
The proposals followed discussions between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of the three Buddhist Nikayas.
However, protesters are continuing to demand Gnanasara Thera’s release, with the demonstration reaching the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Thursday (Oct. 15).
