The verdict in the case against Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who was charged with violating ethnic harmony by stating, “Islam is a cancer.. it must be eradicated” at a media conference held in Kirulapone on July 16, 2016, was announced today.
The verdict of the case, which was filed by the police under Section 291 of the Penal Code, was announced by Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, who sentenced Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero to 9 months’ imprisonment with light work and a fine of Rs. 1500 today.
The Magistrate, who imposed this sentence, said that Venerable Gnanasara Thero had deliberately and maliciously insulted Islam, and told the court that the Venerable Gnanasara Thero had violated the freedom of religion granted to the people by the Constitution and had committed an offense punishable under the provisions of the Sri Lanka Penal Code.
After being found guilty of the charges, Gnanasara Thero told the Magistrate from the dock before the sentence was handed down by the court. “I, a Buddhist monk, have been working against Islamic extremism for 20 years, and I request the court to order to killed me without delay.”
Responding to this, the Magistrate stated that if there is a matter related to the verdict or the case, he can consider it, and if he is not satisfied with the verdict, he can appeal.