The Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered Buddhist monks and other protesters demanding the release of imprisoned Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero to vacate the area in front of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
The order was issued by Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara after considering a request made by the Fort Police.
The court directed the protesters to leave the location immediately, citing the fact that the Presidential Secretariat is situated within a high-security zone.
According to the police, a group of protesters had gathered in front of the Presidential Secretariat, obstructing the entrance to the building while demanding the release of Gnanasara Thero.
The Fort Police informed the court that the protest was creating security concerns and disrupting activities in the area. The police subsequently requested an order directing the protesters to leave the premises.
More Read
After considering the facts presented by the police, the magistrate issued the relevant order.
Protesters Demand Full Release of Gnanasara Thero
The protest march, which began in Kandy in opposition to the removal of the robe from the imprisoned monk, reached Colombo on October 15.
The march reportedly began from Kadawatha on Thursday, with several individuals, including politicians and Buddhist monks, joining the demonstration.
More Read
Upon arriving in Colombo, the protesters called for the full release of Gnanasara Thero, the General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena organisation.
The protesters also attempted to hand over a petition to a representative of the President. However, the attempt was reportedly obstructed by road barriers placed in the area.
Gnanasara Thero Serving Prison Sentence
Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero is currently serving a prison sentence after being found guilty of contempt of court.
On October 6, he appeared before the Colombo High Court wearing civilian clothing, amid the ongoing controversy surrounding his prison attire.
More Read
The protest has drawn attention to calls by supporters for his release and concerns surrounding the treatment of the imprisoned monk.
The latest court order requires the demonstrators gathered outside the Presidential Secretariat to leave the high-security area.
