Event
Petitions over prison attire, October 2026
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Details
- Court
- Court of Appeal
- Concerns
- A prison authorities’ decision requiring him to wear prison attire, reported as the removal of his robe
- Status
- On 14 October 2026 the Court of Appeal President recused himself and appointed a new three-judge bench (Justices Amal Ranaraja, Mahen Gopallawa and Priyantha Fernando); on 15 October 2026 that bench ordered the petitions to be taken up for consideration on 22 October 2026. The Prisons Department spokesperson said on 14 October 2026 that a committee reviewing prison attire regulations for imprisoned religious leaders was expected to report this week or next. On 20 October 2026 the Maha Sangha endorsed the committee’s recommendations, and the Minister of Buddhasasana said Gnanasara is scheduled to be produced in court wearing his robes on 23 October 2026; on 22 October 2026 the ministry informed the Maha Sangha Sabha he would not be produced on 23 October
Connections (1)
- Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara / Subject of / Petitions over prison attire, October 2026
- Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya withdrew from hearing petitions that challenge a prison authorities’ decision requiring the monk to wear prison attire and ask for an order invalidating it. The article gives no reason for the recusal and says a three-judge bench was appointed.14 Oct 2026 · Newswire · Gnanasara Thera’s robes case: Court of Appeal President recuses himself
- After the recusal, Justice Abeysooriya appointed a new three-member bench of Justices Amal Ranaraja, Mahen Gopallawa and Priyantha Fernando to consider the petitions.14 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Appeals Court president recuses himself from hearing petitions over removal of Gnanasara Thero’s robe
- On 15 October 2026 the bench of Justices Amal Ranaraja, Mahen Gopallawa and Priyantha Fernando, after considering submissions, ordered that the petitions, filed by a group of monks including Ven. Thiniyawala Palitha Thero, be taken up for consideration on 22 October 2026.15 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Petitions challenging decision to remove Gnanasara Thero’s monastic robes fixed for consideration
- Minister of Buddhasasana Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said Gnanasara is scheduled to be produced before court wearing his robes on 23 October 2026, in accordance with the amended prison regulations. He said the Commissioner-General of Buddhist Affairs had written to the Mahanayake Thera of the Nikaya to which Gnanasara belongs, seeking guidance on the procedure, and had also sought guidance to pass on to the Commissioner-General of Prisons.20 Oct 2026 · Newswire · Gnanasara Thera to be produced in court wearing robes on October 23
- The article says the Maha Sangha, at a Buddha Sasana Council meeting on 20 October 2026, endorsed the recommendations of a committee appointed by the President on amending the law on imprisoned monks. One proposal is that an imprisoned monk taken outside prison for a court appearance or other official purpose may wear the robe only on the recommendation of the relevant Nikaya chapter or Sangha Council. It describes the changes as proposed and says the Maha Sangha asked the 31 factions of the three chapters to meet and agree a common framework.20 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Maha Sangha endorses proposed legal reforms on imprisoned Buddhist monks
- A spokesperson for the Department of Buddhist Affairs said he will be taken to court in his robes on 23 October 2026 following changes to the relevant Standing Orders. The Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs informed the Maha Nayaka Thera of his Nikaya and sought guidance on how to take him to court; the Department has asked the monastic leadership for approval and consent.20 Oct 2026 · Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) · Gnanasara Thera to be taken to court in robes on October 23
- Reports that the Acting Commissioner General of Prisons, with the Justice Minister’s approval, issued an Extraordinary Gazette amending Department of Prisons Standing Orders. When a Buddhist monk is imprisoned, the Commissioner of Prisons is to consult the Department of Buddhist Affairs, which informs the monk’s Nikaya or Chapter; the Chapter’s decision on removing the robes is to be reported back within ten days, and if no response is received the Commissioner may act under the relevant provisions. The article does not mention Gnanasara by name.24 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Gazette issued on procedures regarding removal of imprisoned Buddhist monks’ robes
- Reports that on 23 October 2026 Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala observed, in the Attorney General’s case over his alleged remarks about the Quran, that the court had no authority to order the reinstatement of the robe removed by prison officials. His counsel had said the Kotte Mahanayake Thera had asked prison authorities in writing for a ceremonial reinstatement and had received no response. The judge said such a request could affect other monks serving sentences. The article says Gnanasara was produced by WhatsApp video call, that prison authorities cited tension over the incident, and that the case was fixed to be recalled on 29 January.24 Oct 2026 · Daily FT · Court has no authority to order reinstatement of Gnanasara Thera’s robe: HC