Gnanasara Thera not in list: Official

A senior official attached to the Prisons Department said yesterday the name of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera was not in the list of prisoners who were to be granted presidential pardon.

He said there was no mention of releasing the prelate on Vesak Poya Day.

The ceremony scheduled to be held today at the Welikada prison ground under the aegis of President Maithripala Sirisena will see the release of 762 prisoners including 26 female inmates in view of Vesak Poya.

Ven. Gnanasara Thera had been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment to be served in six years for contempt of court. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Video by Damith