The disrobing of Gnanasara Thero is the beginning of the end for the Malima government - Gamanpila

The leader of Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, former Member of Parliament Udaya Prabath Gammanpila, states that the end of the Malima government began with the removal of the robes of Venerable Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero, the General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena organization, and his imprisonment. He also stated that the government made a serious mistake through this action.

Commenting on the presentation of Gnanasara Thero in civilian clothes to the court, Mr. Gammanpila stated that the act was illegal, unconstitutional, and contrary to monastic tradition. He emphasized that legal action would definitely be taken in the future regarding this matter.

He pointed out that according to Section 550 of the Prisons Department's Standing Orders, a convict or suspect should be allowed to appear in their usual attire when presented to court. Therefore, his argument is that since a monk's usual attire is the robe (cheewaraya), removing it and bringing him to court is contrary to the law.

“Even the kings of this country bowed down to the yellow robe. We cannot allow a group of irreligious tribals, who mistakenly gained power for five years, to change the monastic history that has existed in this country for 2300 years,” Mr. Gammanpila said.

He stated that even if the government was able to remove Gnanasara Thero's robes, they could not in any way snatch away his monkhood. He also mentioned that even without wearing robes, when Gnanasara Thero entered the courtroom, the lawyers and others present paid homage to him as usual.

Mr. Gammanpila reminded that Gnanasara Thero had faced cases before, and on no occasion was he brought to court after removing his robes and dressing him in civilian attire. He also stated that a monk's robes can only be removed if he commits a 'Parajika' offense.

As he explained, a monk commits a 'Parajika' offense when he is declared guilty by law for theft, sexual assault, or murder. In such a case, his monkhood is nullified whether he wears robes or not, according to his view. “Speaking in court without permission is not a reason for 'Parajika' in either law books or religious texts,” he also said.

Criticizing the statements made by government representatives, including Mr. Nalinda Jayatissa, regarding this matter, Mr. Gammanpila also mentioned that such remarks could be made by those who have read Karl Marx's books but not religious texts.

“We tell the Malima government that they messed up. We fearlessly say that what happened yesterday was the beginning of the end of this government,” he further stated.