A peaceful protest is scheduled to be held at the Colombo Court Complex today (07) in opposition to steps reportedly being taken by the Department of Prisons regarding the clothing worn by Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.
Venerable Neethiyagama Chandima Thero said the protest would be held at 9.00 a.m. today.
“We all have a country, a nation, a religion and a culture. We are not expressing opposition to the court order. However, the decision to remove the robes of our Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and bring him before the public in that manner has deeply disturbed many people,” the Thero said.
He further called on the general public, particularly the younger generation, to attend the protest, saying it was intended to ensure that such an incident would not become a precedent in the future.
Former Minister retired Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara also expressed concern over the reported steps, saying he was saddened as a Buddhist by the matter.
Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka similarly commented on the issue, stating that the Department of Prisons does not have the authority to remove the Thero’s robes.
However, Commissioner of Prisons and Prisons Media Spokesman Senaka Palletenna later clarified the regulations governing the clothing of convicted persons, following various claims circulating on social media.
Palletenna said that individuals sentenced to more than three years’ imprisonment are required to be produced before court wearing prison clothing issued by the Department of Prisons.
He explained that under prison regulations, a Buddhist monk serving a sentence of simple imprisonment may continue to wear robes while serving the sentence in prison.
However, individuals sentenced to rigorous imprisonment are required to wear prison clothing regardless of their status or position, he said.
The Prisons spokesman further explained that when a convicted person serving a sentence of less than three years is produced before court, the prison superintendent may grant permission for the individual to wear the civilian clothing they wore prior to commencing the sentence.
In the case of a Buddhist monk, permission may similarly be granted to appear before court wearing robes.
However, a person sentenced to more than three years’ imprisonment must be produced before court wearing clothing issued by the Department of Prisons, irrespective of the person’s status, position or religious identity, Palletenna said.
He also noted that more than 63 religious figures are currently serving prison sentences at correctional institutions across the country and said that these individuals are likewise required to follow the applicable prison clothing regulations.
