Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena has issued an order preventing Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero and 53 others from remaining within the premises of the Presidential Secretariat.

The order was issued after the court considered submissions made by the Police.The group had gathered outside the Presidential Secretariat yesterday evening following a protest march demanding the immediate release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence after being convicted of contempt of court.The march was attended by members of the Maha Sangha and representatives of several political parties, including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sarvajana Balaya, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP). Political leaders Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila also took part.The Presidential Secretary met a delegation of protesters and heard their demands. Officials reportedly requested one month to discuss the concerns raised.However, a group of monks and supporters remained near the Secretariat until around 11 p.m., causing traffic congestion. Following discussions with Police, they moved from the roadway to the pavement opposite the Secretariat.

Authorities said the road in front of the Presidential Secretariat has since been fully reopened to traffic.