A group of Buddhist monks are reportedly camping at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, demanding the release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.
The group of monks, who had remained outside the Presidential Secretariat until this afternoon (16), subsequently proceeded to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana.
Several monks held discussions with the ministry’s secretary.
However, Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera said the talks had been unsuccessful and that they would remain at Viharamahadevi Park until a solution was provided to their demands.
The “Justice for the Robe – Freedom March”, led by the Maha Sangha and calling for the release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, commenced on the 10th from the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy.
The group, including monks who took part in the march, arrived near the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (15) afternoon.
On that occasion, the Maha Sangha stated that the Government must provide a definitive response regarding the release of Gnanasara Thera.
The Presidential Secretary and the President’s Coordinating Secretary subsequently arrived at the location.
However, as no satisfactory solution was offered, the group decided to remain there.
A tense situation later arose between the monks and the police when the monks attempted to erect temporary shelters at the site.
The Fort Magistrate’s Court had issued an order concerning the group, including the Maha Sangha, gathered outside the Presidential Secretariat.
Police officers who arrived at the location this afternoon informed the monks and others of the court’s decision.
Following the police notification, the group, including the monks who had been gathered outside the Presidential Secretariat, proceeded to leave the premises.