Ex-President Sirisena apologises over technical error in Gnanasara Thero’s pardon

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has issued a special statement explaining the “technical error” cited in the court ruling that led to the re-imprisonment of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.

Former President Sirisena said the statement was issued in response to questions raised by the Maha Sangha, journalists and the general public regarding the matter.

According to the court ruling, a technical error had occurred in the documents submitted by the President’s Office to the court when proceedings were undertaken to secure Gnanasara Thero’s release.

Sirisena stated that he fully respects the court’s decision and considers it correct.

Two cases against Gnanasara Thero had been heard before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court. These involved allegations of obstructing court proceedings and contempt of court under Article 105 of the Constitution. The cases were registered under numbers 37417/10 and 40042.

The former President explained that documents relating to the pardon in these two cases should have been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice and Prisons for approval.

Although the then Additional Senior Secretary in charge of the Legal Division of the President’s Office had informed him of this requirement, the relevant request was not forwarded to the ministry, former President Sirisena said.

As a result, only his signature had been obtained without the ministry’s approval. He described this as having been misled in the process.

The legal decision followed a complaint submitted to the court by Sandhya Eknaligoda through a non-governmental organisation associated with Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, according to the statement.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena said that errors made by officials who served in his administration at the time had resulted in Gnanasara Thero being imprisoned again. He consequently offered an unconditional apology to the Maha Sangha for the mistake made by the officials.

The former President added that he uncovered these details after carefully examining a copy of the relevant court ruling.