Former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva has alleged that a conspiracy is underway to imprison patriotic Sinhala leaders amid what he described as a malicious campaign targeting the Maha Sangha.
He made these remarks while addressing a national conference held in Colombo this afternoon (12), focusing on the responsibility to safeguard and foster the Buddha Sasana and protect Sinhala Buddhist heritage.
Organised by the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, the event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, politicians and representatives of several other groups.
Speaking at the event, Silva claimed that the sentence imposed on Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero was unlawful, stating that the Magistrate had written to then Court of Appeal President Preethi Padman Surasena, explaining that an incident of this nature had occurred in his court and referring the matter to the Appeals Court for a more severe punishment due to the limits of his sentencing powers.
“That is where the issue lies. What is the legal position? Contempt of court carries a punishment of up to 18 months. However, Preethi Padman Surasena imposed a sentence of six years. The law provides for a maximum of 18 months only in relation to contempt of the Appeals Court,” Silva claimed.
ඥානසාර හිමිට දුන් තීන්දුව ගැන හිටපු අගවිනිසුරු සරත් එන්. සිල්වා සැරට කියයි | Ada Derana - YouTube
