Court issues arrest warrant on Gnanasara Thera over absence on judgment day

Colombo, December 19 (Daily Mirror) - The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today issued a warrant for the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara Thera for failing to appear before court on the day the judgment was to be delivered over a case filed against him.

When the matter was called before Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, neither Gnanasara Thera nor his surety were present in court.

However, the defense counsel representing Gnanasara Thera informed the court that his client was unable to attend as he is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. The court directed the defense to furnish relevant medical reports and fixed the matter for January 9, 2025.

This case was filed by the police against Gnanasara Thera over allegations that he had made a hate speech amounting to hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community in the country. 

Counsel Sanjaya Ariyadasa with Iresh Seneviratne, Sanjaya Marambe and Pubudu Wellahewa appeared for Gnanasara Thera.