The removal of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara thero’s monastic robes violated articles 9 and 10 of the constitution, former president Ranil Wikremesinghe said.
Wickremesinghe said that under the 'Vinaya Pitaka,' the Buddhist monastic code of discipline, only senior monks known as Nayaka Theros have the authority to remove a monk’s robes.
The former president said that the Ministry of Justice should have consulted the Mahanayake theros when Gnanasara Thero was imprisoned.
Wickremesinghe said the senior monks had not wanted Gnanasara thero to be disrobed or imprisoned.
He stressed that the court verdict against Gnanasara thero was delivered during 'Yahapalana' government.
The former president said he granted a presidential pardon to Gnanasara thero at the request of the Mahanayake theros.
He said the pardon cannot be changed through standard procedures and that the legal position on the matter would be announced in due course.
(Sachithra Perera)
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