Controversy Surrounds Imprisoned Gnanasara Thera: Prison Attire, Sentence Legality, and Court Recusal

Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera's imprisonment has sparked several controversies. Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Udaya Gammanpila alleged that Gnanasara Thera was forcibly stripped of his robes and made to wear a prison uniform despite objections. A Buddhist monk campaigning for his release also claimed that Gnanasara Thera was deeply distressed and threatened suicide. The Prisons Department has denied Gammanpila's allegations, stating no force was used, and the Police are set to investigate these claims.

Separately, former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva has questioned the legality of the six-year prison sentence imposed on Gnanasara Thera, calling it "completely illegal."

In a related development, Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya recused himself from the bench hearing petitions that challenge the prison authorities' decision regarding Gnanasara Thera's attire.