By Roy Denish.
A Presidential Secretariat protest court order restricts Buddhist monks and supporters demanding the release of imprisoned Gnanasara Thero.
COLOMBO – The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issued an order on Friday, 16 October, preventing Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero and dozens of other protesters from remaining on the premises of the Presidential Secretariat, following an overnight demonstration demanding the release of imprisoned Buddhist monk Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.
Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued the order after considering submissions made by police, who had sought judicial intervention as monks and lay supporters continued their protest near the government’s main administrative complex.
The demonstration, organised under the banner “Justice for the Robe – National Pledge Offering and Freedom March”, reached the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday afternoon after a march that began in Kandy on 10 October.
Members of the Maha Sangha, accompanied by lay supporters and political representatives, called for the immediate release of Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence following a conviction for contempt of court.
Although reports differ on the precise number of individuals covered by Friday’s order, they confirm that Ulapane Sumangala Thero and more than 50 others were named.
Monks Refuse to Leave Without Government Response
The protesters arrived outside the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday, seeking a definitive response from the government concerning Gnanasara Thero’s imprisonment.
During discussions with representatives of the Buddhist clergy, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake reportedly informed the delegation that an immediate decision could not be provided.
Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi subsequently met the monks and informed them that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had been briefed on their demand.
He indicated that the government would proceed in accordance with the relevant legal procedures and constitutional provisions.
However, when the protesters requested a specific timeframe for a decision, presidential officials were unable to provide one.
The monks subsequently maintained that they would continue their demonstration until the authorities provided a satisfactory response.
Overnight Protest Disrupts Traffic
The demonstration continued into Thursday night, with Buddhist monks and supporters occupying sections of the road and pavement near the Presidential Secretariat.
Their presence caused traffic congestion along Galle Road and prompted police to increase security arrangements around the area.
According to News 1st, the demonstrators remained outside the Secretariat until approximately 11 p.m., when discussions were held with police about clearing the roadway.
At around 11.10 p.m., protesters reportedly moved from the road to the pavement opposite the Presidential Secretariat.
The road was subsequently reopened to traffic, although members of the protest group continued their demonstration in the vicinity.
By Friday morning, authorities had sought a court order to prevent the continued occupation of the Presidential Secretariat premises.
Magistrate Issues Order Following Police Application
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena granted the order after police placed their concerns before the court.
The application followed the protesters’ decision to remain near the Presidential Secretariat despite requests to disperse or relocate.
Police reportedly cited the need to maintain public order, protect government premises and prevent disruption to traffic in the capital.
The order restricts the named respondents from remaining within the Presidential Secretariat premises.
While some accounts refer to additional restrictions covering nearby government buildings and pavements, the precise geographical limits of the order have not been independently established from the court document.
The proceedings concern the occupation of the restricted premises and should not be interpreted as a blanket judicial prohibition on all peaceful demonstrations in Colombo.
Political Representatives Join Protest Campaign
The campaign to secure Gnanasara Thero’s release has also attracted support from representatives of several political parties.
News 1st reported the participation of individuals associated with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, United National Party and Sarva Jana Balaya.
Political figures Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila were also identified among those supporting the campaign.
The march began in Kandy on 10 October and proceeded towards Colombo over several days before reaching the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday.
The protesters have called for government intervention to secure Gnanasara Thero’s release, while presidential officials have maintained that any action must follow the applicable constitutional and legal procedures.
Traffic Restored as Questions Remain Over Protest
Police confirmed that the road outside the Presidential Secretariat had been reopened following discussions with the demonstrators.
The court order now provides a legal basis for enforcing the restrictions imposed on the named respondents.
However, the underlying demand concerning Gnanasara Thero’s imprisonment remains unresolved.
The dispute also places renewed attention on the balance between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the authority of police and courts to impose restrictions where public order, security or access to government premises is concerned.
As the legal restrictions take effect, the central question is whether discussions between the protesting clergy and government officials will produce a resolution, or whether the campaign demanding Gnanasara Thero’s release will continue elsewhere.
Sources:
Official sources appropriate for follow links include Sri Lanka Police, Parliament of Sri Lanka for constitutional context, and Presidential Secretariat.
For reporting on the court proceedings, the News 1st court report can also be linked with attribution.
