Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara said that Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero was produced before court in civilian clothing following political directives issued to prison authorities.
He made these remarks during a media briefing held at the SJB headquarters yesterday (15).
Bandara said that prison officials were forced to alter a protocol spanning more than seven decades because of executive instructions originating from the subject minister, the Presidential Secretariat, the Prime Minister's Office, or ruling party headquarters in Pelawatte.
He noted that members of the clergy across all faiths have historically been permitted to appear in court dressed in their respective religious attire.
Bandara observed that as public disapproval mounted against the decision, the government appointed a committee to conceal the lapse caused by political interference, ultimately returning discretionary authority to the minister.
He said that no issue would have arisen had long-standing procedures been followed, adding that prison personnel had clearly acted under intense political pressure and should not bear blame.
Regarding monastic discipline, Bandara noted that while the Sangha Council prohibits monks guilty of Parajika offenses or serious criminal acts from wearing robes, no such canonical restriction applies to Gnanasara Thero. He accused the government of fabricating an artificial controversy around the matter.
Bandara claimed the administration is prioritizing party interest over national priorities, drawing parallels to colonial eras when Buddhist monks mobilised against foreign rule.
He said that forcing the Maha Sangha into opposition against the state represents a grave turn of events, urging the government to govern responsibly without provoking communal or religious divisions.
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