Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has issued an unconditional apology to the Maha Sangha over an administrative error involving the presidential pardon granted to Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, which subsequently became the subject of a court ruling leading to the monk’s re-imprisonment.
In a special statement, Sirisena explained the circumstances surrounding what he described as a technical error in the documentation associated with the pardon.
The former President said he decided to clarify the matter following questions raised by Buddhist clergy, journalists and members of the public.
According to Sirisena, the relevant court ruling identified an error in documents submitted by the President’s Office in connection with the monk’s release.
He stated that he fully respects the court’s decision and accepts its correctness.
Explanation of the administrative error
Sirisena said two cases involving Gnanasara Thero had been heard before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court. The proceedings concerned allegations of obstructing court proceedings and contempt of court under Article 105 of the Constitution.
The cases were identified by reference numbers 37417/10 and 40042.
According to the former President, documentation relating to the presidential pardon in those cases should have been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice and Prisons for the required approval.
He claimed that although the then Additional Senior Secretary responsible for the Legal Division of the President’s Office had informed him of this requirement, the necessary request was not submitted to the ministry.
Consequently, Sirisena said, his signature was obtained without the required ministerial approval.
He maintained that he had been misled during the administrative process.
Sirisena responds to court ruling
In his statement, Sirisena also referred to a complaint submitted to court by Sandhya Eknaligoda, which he said had been made through a non-governmental organisation associated with Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu.
The former President attributed the procedural mistake to officials who served during his administration and said it had contributed to Gnanasara Thero being imprisoned again.
He subsequently offered an unconditional apology to the Maha Sangha over the circumstances.
Sirisena added that he identified the relevant details after carefully examining a copy of the court ruling.
His explanation reflects his account of the events and the administrative procedures surrounding the presidential pardon.
