The United National Party (UNP) has called for an immediate presidential pardon for Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, urging authorities to resolve the ongoing controversy with the intervention of the Chief Prelates representing Sri Lanka’s three main Buddhist chapters.

The UNP issued the statement after the Satyagraha campaign demanding Gnanasara Thero’s release was temporarily suspended following a request from the Chief Prelates.

According to the statement issued by the UNP, former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva has stated that the maximum prison sentence for contempt of court is 18 months. The statement further notes that Gnanasara Thero had already spent more than 10 months in prison for the offence.

The UNP also pointed to the Supreme Court judgment, saying it indicated that the possibility of granting Gnanasara Thero a presidential pardon could be considered.

The UNP criticised the present government’s reported efforts to obtain court orders against Buddhist monks who did not participate in the march and Satyagraha campaign organised in support of Gnanasara Thero’s release.

The party described these actions as serious matters that should not have occurred and called for an investigation into those responsible for ordering the removal of Gnanasara Thero’s robe.

Reiterating its position, the UNP urged the President to grant Gnanasara Thero an immediate pardon, with the involvement of the Chief Prelate, to bring the controversy to an end.