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Buddhist monks maintain vigil at Presidential Secretariat demanding monk's release

A delegation of Buddhist clergy and supporters has continued their protest outside the Presidential Secretariat, pressing authorities to free a detained senior monk. The 'Freedom Foot March' campaigners have maintained their presence since arriving on October 15.

LSN Sri Lanka · 16 October 2026

Buddhist monks maintain vigil at Presidential Secretariat demanding monk's release

Members of the Maha Sangha and affiliated activists remain stationed on the road outside the Presidential Secretariat as part of an ongoing campaign demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera. The group first arrived at the location on October 15, where they have sustained their demonstration.

The protesters have reiterated their core demand that the Government secure the immediate release of the detained cleric. The presence of senior Buddhist monks among the demonstrators underscores the religious and community dimensions of the campaign, which has drawn broader public and monastic support.

The 'Freedom Foot March' represents an organized effort to pressure authorities on what campaigners characterize as an unlawful detention. As the vigil continues outside the seat of executive power, the protest has maintained a peaceful presence, though no immediate government response has been publicly announced.

The demonstration reflects ongoing tensions surrounding detention policies and the treatment of religious figures in Sri Lanka, with the monastic community playing a visible role in advocating for what they view as a matter of principle and justice.