Gnanasara Thero’s Robe: Special Three-Judge Bench Appointed to Consider Petitions

15-Oct-2026

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Several writ petitions have been filed before the Court of Appeal challenging the decision by prison authorities to remove the saffron robe of Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena organisation, who is serving a prison sentence for contempt of court.

The petitions specifically challenge the action taken by prison authorities in removing the monk’s robe.

Several Buddhist monks, including Ven. Deniyawe Palitha Thero, Ven. Agalakada Sri Siridhamma Thero and Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero, have filed the petitions.

The petitioners contend that the Commissioner-General of Prisons acted unlawfully in ordering the removal of Gnanasara Thero’s saffron robe. They have sought an order restraining the implementation of the directive and the continuation of the impugned action.

The petitions were taken up for consideration on October 14 before Court of Appeal Justices Rohantha Abeysuriya and Priyantha Fernando. However, Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya, who was presiding over the proceedings, announced that he would withdraw from considering the petitions.

Justice Abeysuriya explained that he had appeared as Deputy Solicitor General for the State and conducted the prosecution in the contempt-of-court case in which Gnanasara Thero was convicted. He therefore decided to recuse himself from hearing the present petitions.

Accordingly, the petitions are scheduled to be considered today by a special three-judge bench of the Court of Appeal.

The bench will comprise Justices Amal Ranaraja, Mahen Gopallawa and Priyantha Fernando. Counsel appearing for the petitioning monks, including President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva, President’s Counsel Udithe Ekanayake and President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, are expected to present their submissions.