As Gnanasara Thero came out, a group of monks stood and chanted pirith (video)

The Colombo High Court has affirmed the 09-month prison sentence imposed by the Colombo Magistrate's Court on Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, in connection with making a statement during a press conference that could incite disunity among communities. The High Court dismissed the appeal filed by Ven. Gnanasara Thero, and President's Counsel Anura Meddegoda, who appeared on his behalf, stated that an appeal petition has been filed before the Supreme Court against that order.

Prison officials have been ordered to recall the case on February 25th, pending consideration of the Supreme Court appeal, and to present Ven. Gnanasara Thero before the court on that day. As Ven. Gnanasara Thero, who was brought before the court today, was being taken back to prison, a large gathering of Buddhist monks (Maha Sangha Rathnaya) assembled in front of the court gate chanted Pirith, and the Thero was then taken back to prison.

Watch the video related to this incident ›