World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Buddhist monks stage Kandy march demanding Gnanasara Thera's release
A large contingent of Buddhist clergy led a procession through Kandy on Monday, protesting the defrocking of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera and calling for his immediate release.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The demonstration commenced from the premises of Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy's principal Buddhist shrine, with monks gathering to express their opposition to the removal of robes from the senior religious figure. A special blessing ceremony was conducted at the Magul Maduwa before the procession began its march through the city.
The gathering represents significant mobilisation within the Buddhist clergy over the treatment of Gnanasara Thera. The removal of monastic robes constitutes a serious disciplinary action within the Buddhist order, and the monks' public demonstration underscores concerns within religious circles regarding the circumstances surrounding the decision.
The procession reflects broader tensions within Sri Lanka's Buddhist establishment and raises questions about the processes governing monastic discipline. The participation of numerous monks in the Kandy march signals substantial backing for Gnanasara Thera among sections of the sangha, Sri Lanka's monastic community.
No immediate official response to the demonstration had been issued at the time of reporting.