• The court decided to issue an arrest warrant since the defence failed to present a valid reason for Gnanasara Thera’s absence

 By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

 The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday issued a warrant for the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera for not being present in Court in connection with a case filed against him.  

 Gnanasara Thera was not present before Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court No.3 over an allegation that he had allegedly made a hate speech tantamount to hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community in the country. The court decided to issue an arrest warrant since the defence failed to present a valid reason for Gnanasara Thera’s absence.   

 The Colombo Crime Division had filed a B report in Court in this regard. Senior Counsel Ghazzali Hussain appeared for the aggrieved party.