Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Court upholds ban on monks' protest at Viharamahadevi Park Buddha statue
The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court has rejected a bid to lift restrictions on Buddhist monks seeking to stage a Satyagraha near the Buddha statue at Viharamahadevi Park. The monks have been demanding the release of a senior Buddhist prelate.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama dismissed a motion yesterday that sought to withdraw an existing court order prohibiting a group of Buddhist monks from occupying the area surrounding the Buddha statue at Viharamahadevi Park. The monks had intended to conduct a Satyagraha, a non-violent protest, to press for the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.
The Chief Magistrate reviewed submissions from both parties before declining the request to lift the restriction. The order, which remains in effect, prevents the monks from using the park location as a venue for their demonstration.
The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious observance and public assembly rights in Colombo. The court's decision underscores judicial limits on where such protests may be conducted, despite their peaceful nature and religious significance to the Buddhist community.
The status of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, whose release the monks are seeking, remains unclear from the court proceedings. The monks have not indicated whether they intend to pursue alternative venues for their Satyagraha or seek further legal remedies.