Venerable Kotapitiye Thero protested and mobilized a 'group' when Venerable Gnanasara Thero was brought to court in lay attire.

Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who has been sentenced to imprisonment, was brought to the Colombo Magistrate's Court today (07) after the Department of Prisons had removed his robes and dressed him in civilian clothes. Meanwhile, the Maha Sangha, led by Professor Kotapitiye Rahula Thero, also arrived at the court premises today.

When Gnanasara Thero was brought to court today dressed in civilian clothes, the Maha Sangha, led by Professor Kotapitiye Thero, came to court in protest. Gnanasara Thero was brought before the court again today (7) in accordance with an order issued by the Colombo Magistrate's Court regarding the case in which he was found guilty of insulting Islam and sentenced to 9 months imprisonment. Today too, the Thero was brought to court in civilian clothes. The step taken by the Department of Prisons to dress him in civilian clothes has currently led to controversy.

Kotapitiye Thero had planned to hold a peaceful protest in front of the Colombo court premises today at 9:00 AM, protesting against that measure, but visuals showed a group of monks entering the court premises. The Anunayake of Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, Chief Secretary, Sahitya Chakravarthi Aggamaha Panditha, retired Senior Professor Dr. Kotapitiye Rahula Anunayake Thero had also issued a statement regarding this yesterday on behalf of his Sangha Sabha.

Commenting on this, Commissioner of Prisons and Media Spokesperson Mr. Senaka Pallathanna stated that this action was taken according to existing regulations which stipulate that prisoners sentenced to rigorous imprisonment must wear the official uniform issued by the prison. He further stated that the legal provisions regarding imprisoned Buddhist monks, as well as the prison rules to be followed when presenting inmates to court, have been adhered to in the same manner.