Alleged defamatory remarks to Islam: Court concludes pre-trial conference in Gnanasara Thera case

Colombo, June 1 (Daily Mirror) - The case filed against Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera over allegations that he made defamatory statements against Islam and the Holy Quran in 2014 was taken up before the Colombo High Court today for a pre-trial conference.

When the matter was called before Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika Sri Ragala, the case was fixed for further proceedings on June 26.

The Attorney General has filed indictments against Ven. Gnanasara Thera alleging that he made statements defamatory to Islam and the Holy Quran on April 12, 2014, in the vicinity of the Slave Island Police Station.

During the proceedings, defence counsel informed court that the statements allegedly made by their client nearly 12 years ago were made in the interest of the country and were directed against certain extremist elements. Counsel further stated that the defence had no intention of unnecessarily prolonging the proceedings or wasting judicial time.

Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, State Counsel informed court that the prosecution had yet to produce the compact discs (CDs) containing recordings relevant to the alleged statements.

Following submissions by both parties, the High Court fixed the matter for June 26 for further pre-trial proceedings.

Senior Counsel Asoka Weerasooriya with Sanjaya Marambe, Akarsha Weerasooriya and Pasan Karunaratne appeared for Gnanasara Thera.