Gnanasara Thera released

• considering current security concerns, PRELATE useS another exit to leave the prison

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama   

After much speculation,  Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera was released from the Welikada Prison yesterday.  

 Although a number of media personnel, monks, his supporters and the Thera’s mother were waiting at the main gate of the prison, the Thera had used a separate gate to leave the premises.  

Another monk representing the BBS who was present at the premises said that Gnanasara Thera left for the Temple of Ittapana Dhammalankara Maha Nayake Thera and used another exit to leave the prison after considering the current security concerns.   

Earlier yesterday, President Maithripala Sirisena ordered Commissioner General of Prisons, J. W. Tennakoon to release Gnanasara Thera who was sentenced to 19 years rigorous imprisonment to be served in six years for contempt 

of court.   The sentence was delivered by a two-bench judge of the Court of Appeal on August 8, 2018.