A protest march organized by the Janavarame Purawasiyo Organization (Citizens of the Mandate) was held in Colombo today, with participants calling on the Government to ensure that the law is applied equally to all citizens.
The demonstration, led by members of the Maha Sangha and joined by religious leaders from other faiths and civil society representatives, began near the Colombo Fort Railway Station this afternoon.
Organizers said the protest was held in response to ongoing demonstrations calling for the release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero. Participants called for the law to be enforced fairly and without privilege or special treatment.
The protesters also urged authorities to prevent attempts to interfere with ongoing legal proceedings involving individuals accused of corruption, criminal activity and drug trafficking.
Following the march, the protesters proceeded to the Presidential Secretariat. Police appealed to those gathered to remain peaceful and avoid obstructing roads or inconveniencing the public.
A delegation comprising several Buddhist monks and protest representatives was subsequently allowed to enter the Presidential Secretariat to hold discussions with officials.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Venerable Meegahajadure Seelananda Thero claimed that certain political groups were attempting to create instability by using the court ruling involving Ven. Gnanasara Thero as a pretext.
Venerable Embilipitiye Ananda Wansa Thero said the role of the clergy was to provide guidance and counsel to political leaders rather than attempt to control them.
Meanwhile, Chandrasiri Mallikarachchi, Secretary of the Janavarame Purawasiyo Organization, urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake not to reverse any legal action that has already been initiated and called for investigations into pending allegations to be expedited.
The protesters dispersed peacefully following the discussions and media briefing, with organizers describing the demonstration as a call for equal application of the law and a response to recent protests seeking the release of Ven. Gnanasara Thero.
