The matter was heard before Buddhika Sri Ragala, who fixed the case for further proceedings on June 26.
The Attorney General has filed indictments against Ven. Gnanasara Thera alleging that he made statements defamatory to Islam and the Holy Quran on April 12, 2014, in the vicinity of the Slave Island Police Station.
During the proceedings, defence counsel informed court that the statements allegedly made by their client nearly 12 years ago were made in what they described as the interest of the country and were directed against certain extremist elements. The defence further stated that it had no intention of unnecessarily delaying the case or wasting judicial time.
Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, State Counsel informed court that the prosecution had not yet produced the compact discs containing recordings relevant to the alleged statements.
After considering submissions from both parties, the Colombo High Court fixed the matter for June 26 for further pre-trial proceedings.
