A group of Buddhist monks who staged a protest outside the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (15) visited the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, where the ministry granted a meeting to four monk representatives.The monks were demanding the release of Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera.The protest is part of the “Justice for the Robe – Freedom March,” launched on October 10 from the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy under the leadership of the Maha Sangha, calling for Gnanasara Thera’s release.The monks and other participants in the march reached the area near the Presidential Secretariat yesterday afternoon and insisted that the Government provide a clear response regarding the demand for his release.

Following their arrival, the protesting monks proceeded to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, where four representatives were granted an opportunity to hold discussions with ministry officials.