Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has arrived to hold discussions with Buddhist monks who marched to the vicinity of the Presidential Secretariat, demanding the release of the imprisoned Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.
During the discussion, the Maha Sangha requested that the technical flaw alleged to be present in the presidential pardon previously granted to Gnanasara Thero by former President Maithripala Sirisena be rectified. The monks also urged the official to specify how long this process would take.
Furthermore, the Maha Sangha stated that they were aware that the Presidential Secretary had already discussed this matter with the President.
However, in response, Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake stated that a definitive answer regarding the matter could not be provided at this time.
The monks, who are participating in the “Nidahase Paada Yaathraa” (March for Freedom), subsequently sat on the road near the Presidential Secretariat in protest after the Presidential Secretary initially failed to come forward to engage in discussions with them.
The march, led by members of the Maha Sangha, reached the vicinity of the Presidential Secretariat this evening (15).
