A foot march led by members of the Maha Sangha commenced today (10) from the premises of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, protesting the disrobing of Most Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero and calling for his release.

Prior to the commencement of the march, a special blessing ceremony and a Sathya Kriya (Act of Truth) were held at the Magul Maduwa in Kandy.

Speaking on the occasion, Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero stated that he strongly condemned what he described as arbitrary actions taken by the current government against Gnanasara Thero.

He pointed out that, just as Venerable Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero had raised his voice in the past to protect the nation and the Sambuddha Sasana, Gnanasara Thero had also spoken out for the advancement of the country, the nation and the Sasana.

Emphasising that Gnanasara Thero was not imprisoned over a personal matter but was serving a prison sentence on behalf of the nation and the Sasana, Venerable Sumangala Thero stressed that it was the responsibility of the entire fourfold Buddhist community to stand by him unconditionally and ensure that he was not left isolated.

The foot march commenced near the statue of Venerable Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero within the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises and is scheduled to proceed to the location where Gnanasara Thero is currently being detained.

Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero also appealed to the public to join the march peacefully, despite what he described as the prevailing suppression. He asserted that the campaign against what he termed injustice would not be abandoned until Gnanasara Thero was granted his freedom.