Sajith Premadasa urges respect for Buddhist religious traditions

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the Sri Lankan government to respect religious traditions and the dignity of the Buddhist robe following reports regarding the treatment of imprisoned monk Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.

Premadasa raised concerns after media reports indicated that the Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary was brought before the Colombo High Court dressed in civilian clothes without his consent. While acknowledging that courts operate within a legal framework, Premadasa argued that the government must act sensitively toward cultural identities and social conventions.

The Opposition Leader stated that decisions regarding a person’s religious status should be handled by the relevant religious institutions. He urged the government to manage such sensitive matters in consultation with the Mahanayake Theras of the three Buddhist chapters to avoid disrespecting revered institutions and inflaming community sentiments.