– Asgiriya Chapter Anunayake Ven. Medagama Dhammananda Thera said he hopes a legal process will lead to a presidential pardon for Galabodaatte Gnanasara Thera, who is currently in prison.He said senior monks from several monastic orders had discussed Gnanasara Thera’s situation and sought the views of the public and the Maha Sangha on whether the President could grant him a pardon.Ven. Dhammananda Thera recalled that former President Maithripala Sirisena had granted a presidential pardon to Gnanasara Thera following a court verdict. However, he said a technical error had prevented the process from being completed as intended, resulting in the Thera returning to prison.He said further legal action was needed to resolve the matter.

“After seeking advice from legal experts, we hope a process will begin that will lead to a presidential pardon for Galabodaatte Gnanasara Thera,” he said.