– United National Party (UNP) Chairman Vajira Abeywardena has raised concerns over the removal of the robes of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera and the requirement for him to wear prison attire.

In a statement, Abeywardena said that according to the ‘Vinaya Pitaka’, only the Nikaya to which a Buddhist monk belongs has the authority to remove his robes.He said such an action could raise concerns regarding Articles 9 and 10 of the Constitution, which deal with the foremost place given to Buddhism and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.Abeywardena said that when Ven. Gnanasara Thera was remanded following the court verdict, the Justice Ministry should have first sought the views of the Mahanayake Theras before taking steps to remove his robes.He also questioned the possibility of reversing the situation, recalling that the then President had granted a presidential pardon to Ven. Gnanasara Thera at the request of the Mahanayake Theras after the case was filed during the previous Good Governance Government.

The UNP Chairman said the matter could not be considered an ordinary legal proceeding, as it also involved religious and constitutional concerns.

He said the Government had the opportunity to consult Parliament and seek an alternative solution to the issue.