The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today strongly condemned the conduct of a group of persons including Buddhist monks at the Homagarna Magistrate’s Courts yesterday, attempting to obstruct the decision of the Magistrate to remand the Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero. 

“The BASL calls for the immediate arrest of these individuals and calls upon the authorities to deal with them according to law. 

The BASL also condemns the conduct of the Ven. Gnanasara Thro at the Homagama Magistrate’s Courts on the 25 of January 2016. The BASL notes that the Gnanasara Theo had insulted and attempted to intimidate the learned Magistrate as well as the Senior State Counsel who was present representing the Attorney General in the case relating to the disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda. 

All attempts to intimidate judges, lawyers and investigators who perform a vital role in the administration of justice should not only he condemned but vehemently resisted by all right thinking people interested in making our nation a place where the Rule of law prevails. 

The learned Magistrate has acted in an independent and fearless manner for which he must be commended. 

It is noted that the BASL has previously drawn the attention of the government and the authorities to the conduct of Gnanasara Theo and his organisation and the need to curd, their unlawful activities,” the BASL said in a statement.