The people gave us the government to ensure the law applies equally to everyone - Minister Nalinda

As the protest march, which began in Kandy demanding the release of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, reached Colombo, the current government strongly emphasized that everyone is equal before the law and that the government is not prepared to grant special privileges to anyone.

The 'Justice for the Robe - Freedom March', which began near the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on October 10th, is currently centered in Colombo. These monks, who are advocating for the release of Ven. Gnanasara Thero, arrived near the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday (15) and remained there overnight, awaiting a firm response from the government.

However, with the issuance of a court order prohibiting protests at the said location, the protesters were forced to remove their temporary tents today (16). Afterwards, they proceeded to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, where four monk representatives involved in the protest were given the opportunity to discuss with the government side.

Amidst this series of events, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has given a direct response regarding the monks' demands. He pointed out that the government is fully committed to implementing the law fairly and equally for everyone, regardless of their rank or social status.

The Minister stated that the public has experienced how the law was enforced differently for ordinary people and for those holding political power or influential positions during past regimes. He recalled that a major reason for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's victory, as well as for the current government to gain a two-thirds majority in Parliament, was the strong public disapproval regarding the unequal application of the law under previous administrations.

Mr. Jayatissa emphasized that the government has promised to end such discriminatory practices and to apply the law equally to all, and that this is a common expectation not only of the people who voted for the government but also of those who did not.

The Minister also clarified the requests for the release of Ven. Gnanasara Thero this time, similar to the presidential pardon granted during the previous 'Yahapalana' (good governance) government. He pointed out that the prison sentence imposed on the said monk was issued by a court.

The Cabinet Spokesperson stated that although individuals have the right to appeal court decisions, the legal proceedings related to this incident have already concluded. He declared that since enforcing court orders is a responsibility of the government, special consideration cannot be given based on a person's specific identity or social status.

The Minister further clarified that the public does not expect established law to be changed or adjusted for the benefit of a single individual, and that all government decisions are made in accordance with legal procedures.

Even though the government has thus clarified its legal stance, Buddhist monks continue their protests. Monk representatives who participated in the discussions at the Ministry of Buddhasasana have stated that they will remain in Viharamahadevi Park until Ven. Gnanasara Thero is released.