5 million signature campaign launched in Dondra requesting presidential pardon for Gnanasara Thero (photos)

Another major phase of the nationwide campaign to collect 5 million signatures, requesting a presidential pardon for Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, the General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena organization, who has been sentenced to six years in prison on charges of contempt of court, commenced this morning (09) from the historic Matara Devundara Utpalavanna Sri Vishnu Devalaya sacred ground in the Southern Province. This campaign is being implemented under the theme "Let's fulfill the Sri Lankan duty" and the motto "The signature of humanity, love, and compassion."

The program was officially launched after a special religious offering (deva pooja) held under the leadership of the Venerable Thiththagalle Anandasiri Swaminwahanse, and it is reported that a large number of Maha Sangha, Bhikkhunis, and local devotees participated in it.

Although Ven. Gnanasara Thero was previously granted a presidential pardon and released by former President Maithripala Sirisena, the Supreme Court ruled on the 10th that the decision was null and void in the eyes of the law. Consequently, he had to be re-imprisoned. Recently, when he was brought to the Colombo Magistrate's Court for another ongoing case, a large gathering of Maha Sangha chanted 'pirith' and blessed him as he returned to the prison bus after the hearing.

Speaking there, Venerable Pithidueye Siridhamma Thero stated that Ven. Gnanasara Thero has not received a new prison sentence, but rather an extension of his previous one. "Gnanasara Hamuduruwo is not a criminal. If there were shortcomings in the documentation when he was pardoned, President Anura Kumara had the opportunity to rectify them and grant a proper pardon. If that had happened, we would also love him. There would be no unnecessary problems," he mentioned. He also pointed out that creating unnecessary problems leads to chaotic situations.

The initial launch of this massive program to collect 5 million signatures was marked on September 26th at the sacred grounds of Mihintale. The Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Dr. Walawahengunawewe Dhammaratana Thero, along with the Maha Sangha, were the first to sign this petition on that day. Recalling that "This sacred ground was the first place in the world to speak of granting 'abhaya' (fearlessness/protection). Mihindu Hamuduruwo said that you are not the owner, but merely the guardian," Ven. Dhammaratana Thero, from that historic site where 'abhayadana' was granted, requested the President to grant a presidential pardon to Ven. Gnanasara Thero once again.

The signature collection campaign, which commenced today from Devundara, is scheduled to continue uninterrupted from October 09th to 18th, covering several major cities across the island. It is reported that arrangements have been made to officially hand over 1 million signatures collected under its first phase to the Mahanayaka Mahimi Paanan Wahanse at the historic Mihintale sacred ground on October 18th. Subsequently, the final objective of this national program is to hand over the complete petition to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.