Delivering the judgment, Manjula Tilakaratne dismissed an appeal filed by Gnanasara Thero seeking to overturn his conviction and secure his release.
The case was initiated by the Sri Lanka Police under provisions of the Penal Code, alleging that the Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary made remarks that disrupted communal harmony by insulting Islam.
Following the trial, the Colombo Magistrate's Court found Gnanasara Thero guilty of the charge and imposed a prison sentence. Challenging that verdict, he subsequently filed an appeal before the High Court.
After considering the appeal, the High Court affirmed the Magistrate's Court ruling and upheld the sentence, rejecting the request for acquittal and release.
The decision marks the conclusion of the appeal proceedings, leaving the original conviction and sentence in force.
