Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thero, convicted of making statements detrimental to religious harmony, faced sentencing today (28) by Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabandi. The verdict delivered a four-year hard labor sentence along with a fine of 100,000 rupees. Gnanasara Thero was found guilty on both charges following a case initiated by the Attorney General.
The case, initially brought before the Colombo High Court, centered on statements made regarding the Kuragala temple during a press conference held on March 30, 2016. These remarks were deemed to have the potential to harm national and religious harmony, leading to the legal proceedings against Gnanasara Thero.
Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabandi formally indicted Gnanasara Thero on October 21, 2020, marking a significant development in the legal proceedings. However, prior to today’s sentencing, Gnanasara Thero expressed willingness to apologize to the Muslim community for any distress caused by his statements. This statement was made from the dock before Judge Aditya Patabandi during the previous hearing on February 16th.
