– The Mahanayake Theros of the Three Nikayas have called on Buddhist monks to uphold monastic discipline and harmony and resolve issues in accordance with the Dhamma and Vinaya, warning that certain groups were exploiting ongoing protests demanding a presidential pardon for Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero to damage the reputation of the Buddhist clergy locally and internationally. In a special statement issued on October 25, the senior Buddhist prelates said the respect accorded to Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka’s religious and social context depended on the preservation of monastic discipline (Vinaya) and spiritual restraint.

The statement said the Mahanayake Theros had already intervened and initiated discussions with the Government to resolve the matter through legal means and dialogue.It also cautioned that certain groups were exploiting the ongoing protests in ways that could damage the dignity and reputation of the Buddhist clergy both locally and internationally. The prelates called on members of the Maha Sangha across all Nikayas to maintain unity and harmony within the Buddhist clergy and resolve disputes in accordance with the Dhamma and Vinaya, while acting in a manner that would strengthen public confidence and faith.

The statement was issued by Most Ven. Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero, Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Nikaya; Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Pannananda Dhammasiddhi Thero, Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Nikaya; Most Ven. Karagoda Uyangoda Maithree Moorthi Thero, Supreme Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Nikaya; and Most Ven. Makulawewa Sri Wimala Thero, Mahanayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya.The advisory follows the temporary suspension of the satyagraha campaign at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, where monks had been demanding the release of Ven. Gnanasara Thero.