Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena has issued an order preventing Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero and 53 others from remaining within the premises of the Presidential Secretariat.
The order was issued after the court considered submissions made by the Police.
The group had joined a protest march demanding the immediate release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence after being convicted of contempt of court. The march, led by members of the Maha Sangha and supported by representatives of several political parties, reached the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday evening.
During the protest, the Presidential Secretary met with the delegation and listened to the demands presented by the organisers.
Officials requested one month to consider the concerns raised. However, a group of monks and supporters remained outside the Presidential Secretariat until around 11 p.m., causing severe traffic congestion after the roadway was partially obstructed.
Following discussions with Police, the group vacated the roadway at around 11.10 p.m. and moved onto the pavement opposite the Presidential Secretariat.
Authorities said the road in front of the Presidential Secretariat has since been fully reopened to traffic and normal vehicle movement has resumed.
