The Colombo Chief Magistrate has ordered the release of former Convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation (IUBF), Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera, from a case filed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with the Aragalaya protest movement in 2022.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis issued this order due to insufficient evidence against the suspect regarding the PTA charges.
Ven. Siridhamma Thera appeared in court on November 23, 2022, following an 89-day detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
In a previous case, former Convener of the Inter University Students' Federation (IUSF), Wasantha Mudalige, was also released from a similar case after spending five months in custody.
Two student activists were detained under the PTA for 90 days under Detention Orders issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Defence.
