June 23, LNW(Colombo): The Colombo High Court today upheld the nine-month rigorous imprisonment sentence imposed on Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, rejecting an appeal filed against his conviction.
Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne dismissed the appeal, which sought to overturn the conviction and secure an acquittal in a case related to statements made by the Thera during a media briefing held in Kirulapone in 2016.
The prosecution had alleged that the remarks insulted the Islamic faith and were prejudicial to communal harmony. Following trial proceedings, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court found Gnanasara Thera guilty and sentenced him to nine months of rigorous imprisonment.
In his appeal before the High Court, the Thera challenged both the conviction and the sentence. However, after considering the submissions, the High Court rejected the appeal and affirmed the original judgment and sentence imposed by the Magistrate’s Court.
The ruling marks the conclusion of the appeal proceedings in a case that has drawn significant public attention due to its implications for communal relations and freedom of expression.