The Chief Prelates of the Buddhist chapters have not so far made a request to the Government seeking the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today (27).Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, the Minister said the Government would act in accordance with the existing law even if such a request were made, stressing that it had no intention of overriding a judicial decision.He said the Government had amended the Prisons Department’s Standing Orders following a letter sent by the four Chief Prelates to the Commissioner General of Prisons.

According to the Minister, discussions were subsequently held with representatives of the Chief Prelates, including Anunayake Theros, and relevant officials. Those discussions resulted in an agreement to amend the relevant prison regulations.The Minister said the authorities would proceed in accordance with the amended Standing Orders and noted that the Government had taken action on the matters raised by the Chief Prelates.“The Government operates on the basis that everyone is subject to the law,” he said, reiterating that the Government would not place itself above the judiciary or seek to overturn a court decision.