The Department of Prisons yesterday denied allegations by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila that Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera had been forced to wear a prison uniform at Welikada Prison.
Gammanpila, speaking at a press conference in Colombo on October 12, alleged that the monk had been compelled to wear prison attire despite objections from both the monk and prison officers.
Responding to media queries, Prisons Commissioner and Media Spokesperson Senaka Pallethenna said the Department had received no complaints regarding the alleged incident and was unaware of any such occurrence.
“There is no possibility of such a thing happening, as we follow prison regulations,” he said, reiterating that the Department operated in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Commenting on the committee appointed to review regulations governing the attire of imprisoned religious leaders, Pallethenna said Prisons Commissioner Gajanayake had been appointed as a member.
He expressed confidence that the committee would submit its report, including recommendations on the matter, either this week or next week.
The Department of Prisons would take action based on the committee’s recommendations, Pallethenna said, adding that existing procedures could not be changed arbitrarily, as prison authorities were bound by the applicable laws and regulations.