No special prison procedure for Gnanasara Thera: Govt

The procedures followed in the case of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, including those concerning his attire in prison and when being produced before court, were in accordance with the Prisons Ordinance and prison regulations, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Responding to questions at the post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday (6) about the procedures followed in the Thera’s case and his subsequent appearance in court in civilian attire, Jayatissa said no special procedure had been applied to him.

“There is a procedure that must be followed under the Prisons Ordinance. Nothing special has been done in this incident,” he said.

The Minister said the same procedure was being followed in the case of 63 Buddhist monks currently serving prison sentences.

“The same procedure that has been followed in the case of 63 Buddhist monks who are currently imprisoned and serving sentences has also been followed in the case of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera,” Jayatissa said.

He reiterated that the procedure followed in the Thera’s case was not specific to him but was part of the standard process under the Prisons Ordinance.