The Chief Prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiri, Ramanna Nikaya, and the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha have appealed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to grant a pardon to Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera on Vesak Poya Day, recognizing his efforts in promoting national unity and social support.
In their letter to the President, the Chief Prelates highlighted that Ven. Gnanasara Thera, the General Secretary of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), was sentenced to four years in prison on March 28, 2024, for causing discord during a media discussion about the Kooragala Rajamaha Vihara in 2016.
The Prelates also noted Ven. Gnanasara Thera's proactive measures in alerting authorities about extremist activities, which provided crucial support to state security forces and helped prevent the spread of extremist groups in Sri Lanka.
They claimed that his actions averted several potential extremist conflicts in Sri Lankan society.
