Gnanasara Thera’s prison attire: UNP raises concerns over religious freedom

The United National Party (UNP) has raised concerns over the decision to make Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera wear prison attire instead of his traditional saffron robes, claiming that the move violates constitutional provisions relating to Buddhism and religious freedom.

In a statement outlining the party’s position, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena said the decision had challenged both Buddhism and religious freedom, alleging violations of Articles 9 and 10 of the Constitution.

He maintained that, according to the Vinaya Pitaka, decisions concerning a Buddhist monk’s religious attire fall under the authority of the relevant Buddhist Nikaya.

Abeywardena said the Ministry of Justice should have consulted the Chief Prelates before deciding to dress Ven. Gnanasara Thera in prison attire following his return to prison under a court order.

Referring to the monk’s previous imprisonment, he recalled that the Chief Prelates had written to the then President requesting a pardon for Ven. Gnanasara Thera during the Good Governance (Yahapalana) administration.

He said the government at the time subsequently granted the pardon following the request made by the Chief Prelates.

Questioning the latest decision, Abeywardena argued that the matter should not be treated as an ordinary legal case, given the previous intervention of the country’s senior Buddhist religious leaders.

He further claimed that the relevant legal procedures had not been followed in the present instance and questioned how the earlier decision to grant a pardon could now be treated differently.

The UNP Chairman also stated that the government had the opportunity to consult Parliament and explore an alternative approach to resolving the matter.

Meanwhile, Abeywardena said former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to make a detailed statement on the controversy, including its legal implications, upon his return to Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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