Court Blocks 54 Individuals, Including Monks, From Remaining at Presidential Secretariat Premises

COLOMBO (News 1st); Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena has issued an order preventing Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero and 53 others from remaining within the premises of the Presidential Secretariat.

The order was issued a short while ago after considering submissions made by the Police.

A protest march demanding the immediate release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence after being convicted of contempt of court, reached the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday evening.

The march, led by members of the Maha Sangha and supported by representatives of several political parties including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sarva Jana Balaya, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the United National Party (UNP), as well as political leaders Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, concluded outside the Presidential Secretariat following several days of demonstrations.

During the protest, the Presidential Secretary met the delegation and listened to the demands presented by the organizers, who called for the immediate release of Venerable Gnanasara Thero.

Although officials requested a period of one month to discuss the concerns raised, a group of monks and supporters remained outside the Presidential Secretariat until around 11 p.m., resulting in severe traffic congestion in the surrounding area as the roadway became partially obstructed.

Following discussions with Police, the group vacated the roadway at around 11.10 p.m. and moved onto the pavement opposite the Presidential Secretariat.

Authorities confirmed that the road in front of the Presidential Secretariat has since been fully reopened to traffic and normal vehicle movement has resumed.