Prison authorities have denied allegations by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila that Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera was forcibly made to wear the prison uniform while in custody at Welikada Prison.
Addressing a press conference in Colombo on October 12, Udaya Gammanpila alleged that Gnanasara Thera had been forcibly made to wear a prison uniform despite objections from the monk and prison officers.
Responding to questions by the media on the allegations, Prison Commissioner and Media Spokesperson Senaka Pallethanna said the Department of Prisons has not received any complaints regarding the alleged incident.
He stated that he was unaware of any such incident and maintained that prison authorities operate in accordance with established prison regulations.
“We have not received any complaints regarding this allegation. We are not aware of such an incident. There is no possibility of such a thing happening, as we follow prison regulations,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on the committee appointed to review prison attire regulations for imprisoned religious leaders, Pallethanna said Prisons Commissioner Gajanayake has been appointed as a member of the committee.
He expressed confidence that the committee would submit its report either this week or next week, providing recommendations on the matter.
Pallethanna further stated that the Prisons Department would act based on the committee’s recommendations, noting that changes to existing procedures cannot be made arbitrarily under prison laws. (Newswire)
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