Court of Appeal president steps aside from Gnanasara Thero robe case

Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya, President of the Court of Appeal, has withdrawn from the bench hearing constitutional challenges to prison authorities' decision to remove the monastic robe of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero after his conviction and sentencing.

Following his recusal, Justice Abeysooriya constituted an alternative three-member bench to consider the pending petitions, which seek to overturn the prison administration's action in stripping the respected Buddhist monk of his robes.

The case centres on whether prison officials acted within their authority in removing Ven. Gnanasara Thero's monastic vestments following his incarceration. The petitioners argue the action violates the monk's religious rights and constitutional protections.

The new bench is expected to hear arguments from both petitioners and respondents as the matter progresses through the appellate process. The decision carries implications for the treatment of religious practitioners within Sri Lanka's correctional system.