The Colombo High Court has granted bail to Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who had been sentenced to a nine-month prison term for making defamatory comments about Islam.
The court issued this order after considering a revision petition filed by the defendant's attorneys. The petition sought bail pending the hearing of an appeal and the announcement of a final decision in the case.
On January 9, 2025, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court had sentenced Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero to a nine-month imprisonment, following his controversial statement about the religion of Islam. In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of Rs. 1,500 on the defendant.
The granting of bail by the Colombo High Court allows Gnanasara Thero to remain free while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
