Colombo Magistrate Issues Arrest Warrant for Ven. Gnanasara Thera Over Court Absence
Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasinghe has issued an arrest warrant for Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, the General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena organization, after he failed to appear in court on December 19. The case concerns allegations that he made statements insulting Islam and disrupting religious harmony.
The controversial statements, made during a press conference in the Kirulapone area in 2016, have led to legal proceedings under Section 291 (a) of the Penal Code. The case was set for a judgment hearing on December 19, with the Magistrate previously announcing that the decision would be made on that day.
However, when the case was called, Gnanasara Thera did not show up in court. His lawyer informed the court that the Thera was receiving treatment at a hospital in Colombo, which prevented his attendance. Despite this, the Magistrate noted the absence and proceeded to issue an arrest warrant against him.
In addition to the arrest warrant, the court also served a notice to the bail guarantor who had provided surety for Ven. Gnanasara Thera. The legal process continues as authorities work to address the case further.
