Government Has Misled the Maha Sangha, Says Thiththagalle Thera
18-Oct-2026.
Minister K. D. Lal Kantha has said that the President cannot grant a pardon to Gnanasara Thera. Thiththagalle Thera said it was disappointing for the Government to have given the Maha Sangha assurances that a pardon would be granted and then to say that it could not be done. He called on the Government to announce a deadline for granting the pardon.
Thiththagalle Thera made these remarks at a press conference held in Colombo on 17 October 2026.
Minister Lal Kantha has stated that the President cannot pardon Gnanasara Thera and that doing so would be contrary to the mandate given to the Government by the people.
However, the Government’s position on this matter should have been clear from the outset. It is unacceptable to hold discussions with the Maha Sangha about granting a pardon and then announce that it cannot be done.
During the third discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat, it was stated that Gnanasara Thera would be pardoned under Article 34 of the Constitution.
No deadline was announced, however. By first saying that a pardon would be granted and subsequently saying that it was not possible, the Government has created false expectations among the Maha Sangha.
Minister Lal Kantha’s remarks raise the question of whether they reflect the Government’s actual position. If the Government had decided that a pardon could not be granted, it should have stated so clearly at the outset. Giving assurances during discussions and now saying that a pardon is out of the question amounts to misleading the Maha Sangha.
Article 9 of the Constitution gives Buddhism the foremost place and states that the State has a duty to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana. The Government must therefore recognise and discharge its responsibility in this matter. Buddhist monks, other religious leaders and members of the public should make representations to the President and call on him to announce a clear decision on whether Gnanasara Thera will be pardoned, he said.
