Former President Maithripala Sirisena has apologised to the Maha Sangha over a technical error in the documentation relating to the presidential pardon granted to Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.
In a statement issued today (19), Sirisena accepted responsibility for failing to obtain the required approval from the Ministry of Justice and Prisons before granting the pardon.
He said the Presidential Secretariat’s Legal Division had advised that two cases against Gnanasara Thera be referred to the ministry for approval. However, the relevant files were not forwarded, and only his signature was obtained.
“As a result, only my signature was obtained without the approval of the aforementioned ministry. That was a failure on my part,” Sirisena said.
The former President said he issued the clarification after reviewing a copy of the court ruling available online and receiving inquiries from Buddhist monks, journalists and others about the technical error cited in the decision to imprison Gnanasara Thera again.
Sirisena said he respected the court’s ruling and apologised to the Maha Sangha for the lapse, which occurred during his presidency.
He also referred to two cases against Gnanasara Thera before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court, including one relating to obstruction of court proceedings and contempt of court.