The Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court has issued an arrest warrant for Venerable Galabadaaththe Gnanasara Thero, General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena Organization, after he failed to appear in court today for the delivery of a verdict in a case concerning religious harmony.
Gnanasara Thero is facing charges related to making inflammatory remarks about Islam during a media conference on July 8, 2016, which were allegedly intended to disrupt religious harmony. The case has been ongoing for several years, and today’s hearing was scheduled to conclude with the delivery of the verdict.
The monk’s lawyer informed the court that Gnanasara Thero was unable to attend due to health reasons and was receiving treatment at a hospital in Colombo. Despite this explanation, the court decided to issue a warrant for his arrest, instructing that he be brought before the court as soon as possible.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the nature of the charges and the controversial figure involved. The issuance of the arrest warrant has sparked debate regarding the legal process and the implications for the Bodu Bala Sena organization, which has been known for its nationalist and sometimes provocative stances.
