President to Meet Mahanayake Theras Today Amid Controversy Over Gnanasara Thera’s Prison Attire

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to meet the Mahanayake Theras representing Sri Lanka’s main Buddhist chapters at 1.00 p.m. today in Colombo, amid growing concerns over the treatment of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera in prison.

The meeting comes after the Mahanayake Theras issued a joint statement expressing concern over Gnanasara Thera being produced before court in lay attire instead of Buddhist robes.

The Chief Prelates have emphasised that the decision to remove a monk’s robes or revoke his monastic status is a religious matter falling under the authority of the relevant Maha Sangha Sabha, rather than a decision to be determined solely by prison authorities.

Gnanasara Thera is currently serving the remainder of his sentence for contempt of court after the Supreme Court ruled that a presidential pardon previously granted to him was invalid. The Court of Appeal subsequently ordered authorities to enforce the remaining prison sentence. 

The President’s meeting with the Mahanayake Theras is expected to focus on the concerns raised over the monk’s treatment and the wider dispute surrounding his robes.