A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an order invalidating the decision by prison authorities to remove the monastic robes of Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence.

The petition was filed by Venerable Thiniyawala Palitha Thero, Ada Derana reporter said.

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Minister of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and several others have been named as respondents in the petition.  

The petitioner states that Article 9 of the Constitution places a responsibility on the State to protect and foster Buddhism.

The petition further states that following Gnanasara Thero’s conviction and sentencing for contempt of court, he was produced before the Colombo High Court and Magistrate’s Court in prison attire after his monastic robes had been removed.  

Venerable Thiniyawala Palitha Thero argues that the decision by prison authorities to remove Gnanasara Thero’s monastic robes is contrary to prison regulations and Buddhist disciplinary rules.      

Accordingly, the petitioner has requested the Court of Appeal to issue a writ invalidating the decision to remove Gnanasara Thero’s monastic robes.  

The petition also seeks an order invalidating any prison regulation or circular that requires such action.

In addition, the petitioner has sought an interim injunction restraining the respondents from removing Gnanasara Thero’s monastic robes.