Police have obtained a court order from the Fort Magistrate’s Court prohibiting protests in front of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, citing its designation as a high-security zone, according to Sri Lanka Police.

Buddhist monks and supporters participating in the “Nidahase Paada Yaathraa” (March for Freedom), organized under the leadership of the Maha Sangha to demand the release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, continued to occupy the road in front of the Presidential Secretariat as of this morning (16).

The Maha Sangha and the group arrived near the Presidential Secretariat last evening (15), demanding a definitive response from the government regarding the release of Gnanasara Thero.

In response, the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, informed them that a definitive answer could not be provided on the matter.

Subsequently, the Chief of Presidential Staff, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, arrived at the scene and held discussions with the assembled monks.

During the discussion, Chandrakeerthi stated that the President had been informed of their request. He added that the President had agreed to allow the government to proceed in accordance with the relevant legal procedures and the provisions of the Constitution.

However, the assembled monks questioned the Chief of Presidential Staff about the timeframe required for the process.

When he responded that a specific timeframe could not be provided, the monks and their supporters decided to remain near the Presidential Secretariat until their objective was achieved.