A long dormant legal case involving controversial statements about Islam and the Quran has resurfaced in court, with prosecutors now preparing to file an indictment against Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagoda Atthe Gnanasara Thero.
Police move toward formal indictment
The Colombo Crimes Division informed the Fort Magistrate’s Court that an indictment will soon be filed against Galagoda Atthe Gnanasara Thero over remarks allegedly offensive to Islam and the Quran. According to investigators, the statements were made during a media conference organized by the Bodu Bala Sena organization several years ago.
Police officials told Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththi Kumara that the decision to proceed with the indictment follows instructions issued by the Attorney General.
Court questions long delay
The Magistrate had earlier ordered the Officer in Charge of the Colombo Crimes Division to appear before court and explain the prolonged delay in prosecuting the case. The matter had reportedly remained unresolved for nearly eleven years while awaiting directions from the Attorney General’s Department.
When the case was taken up, Gnanasara Thero appeared in open court after being released on bail.
