The Supreme Court has fixed a Fundamental Rights petition over the removal of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera’s robes to be taken up again on 14 January.
The petitioner, retired Air Force officer Shantha Jayathilaka, appeared before the three-judge bench on Thursday in Sil Anduma, the white attire worn by Buddhists observing precepts. He brought three sets of Dhamma books for the judges. The bench comprised Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Mahinda Samayawardena and Sampath Wijeratne.
State Counsel Chrisanga Fernando, appearing for the Attorney General, told the court that a committee appointed by the Government had recommended amendments to the prison rules to address the grievances raised. She also sought more time to obtain instructions from the Commissioner General of Prisons and the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice.
The petitioner has asked the court to direct prison authorities to produce the Thera in his robes. He argues that Prison Standing Order 550 allows an unconvicted person to wear his usual style of dress.
The court will consider developments on 14 January.
