Buddhist monks began a protest march from the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy on Saturday, demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera and opposing the removal of his robes in prison.
A religious blessing ceremony was held at the Magul Maduwa before the march started near the statue of Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera. The march is expected to proceed to the place where Gnanasara Thera is being held.
Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera, addressing the gathering, criticised what he called arbitrary government actions against Gnanasara Thera. He said the campaign would continue until Gnanasara Thera is released, and urged the public to join the protest peacefully.
The government has not been quoted in the reports of the march seen so far.
