Sajith’s Camp Asks: What Wrong Did Gnanasara Thera Commit?

18-Oct-2026

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Former presidents have granted pardons to members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Against that background, why can Gnanasara Thera not be pardoned? What offence did he commit? asked Kings Nelson, a Member of Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

He made these remarks while speaking at a press conference held in Polonnaruwa.

Minister Lal Kantha has stated that the Government will not grant a pardon to Gnanasara Thera, the General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena organisation. How can a Cabinet minister comment on a power vested in the President?

Former presidents have granted pardons to LTTE combatants. In that context, why can Gnanasara Thera not be pardoned? Former President Maithripala Sirisena even pardoned an LTTE suicide bomber who had attempted to assassinate him.

The President should set a good example by granting Gnanasara Thera a pardon. If Buddhist monks take to the streets in protest, the Government will face considerable pressure, he said.