The All Ceylon Hindu Association has asked that Ven. Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thera be given a presidential pardon.
If the Thera is released during the upcoming Vesak, we the Hindus in Sri Lanka will be so grateful to your good self as this action will create a positive impact amongst Sri Lankans, the association said in a letter to the president.
Full text of the letter:
Request for The Presidential Pardon for Ven. Galagodatte Gnanasara Thero.
As All Ceylon Hindu Federation, we assume that some statements and behavioral output of Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero has been misinterpreted or misinformed to certain democratic bodies of the government by known and unknown elements and also mislabeled with an aim of shutting the Democratic voice of Thero.
Actually when we deeply went through the matter of the construction site of a Muslim foreign investor, claiming it was being built on the Sri Pada Buddhist site with a view of forceful destruction, Ven. Gnanasara Thero predicted that this may end with a mass riots and escalation between Sinhalese and Muslims.
Thero clarified the situation and prevented the potential riots and violence. But unfortunately and unexpectedly, Ven. Thero made some derogatory remarks of Almighty God Allah. As Hindu Federation, we strongly condemn the remarks made by Ven. Thero. As a result of the derogatory statement, Ven. Thero was sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment by the High Court of Colombo.
We actually can sense that Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero conducted this media briefing in a good faith, aiming to prevent a conflict by presenting evidence to demonstrate that the construction was not on the Sri Pada Buddhist Site. The statement did not significantly contribute to religious tensions between Muslims and Buddhist and furthermore, Ven. Thero expressed his willingness to apologize to Muslim believers if his statements caused any hurt or offense during the press conference.
It's very clear that he did not harbor any specific intention to offend or insult any religious group and he acted in good faith as the secretary of an active organization at that time.
Moreover as the Hindu Community, we have to recall our memories of some direct involvement of Ven. Thero in some conflicts between Hindus and some other religious extremist groups which resolved the issues even without coming to the media attention. We will never forget his guidance and help as Hindus.
Ven. Galagodaatte Thero specifically has maintained relations with the World Muslim League since 2014, with the approval of Saudi Princes and also played a role in mediating in the Buddhist - Muslim conflict in Myanmar and was invited by Saudi Arabia to participate in discussions aimed at combating global terrorism and promoting peace.
Additionally, he was tasked with mediating the Rohingya issues in Myanmar in 2014, conducting numerous peace talks with the parties involved. In recognition of his efforts, Ven. Thero was invited to attend the Saudi Independence Day Celebrations with a Sri Lankan Muslim during the event which was widely praised as a significant step towards religious harmony and coexistence.
As a good human being, Ven. Thero advocated for the burial customs of Muslims, emphasizing the importance of protecting their rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We can list out the service and operations done by Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero to make peace among all followers of their respective religious faith and eradicate conflicts that may destroy the country's Economic, Social and Spiritual Platforms.
Therefore, we humbly and kindly request your good self to give a Presidential Pardon for Ven Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero during the upcoming Vesak season, in accordance with your legal authority as the President of Sri Lanka.
If the Thero is released during the upcoming Vesak, We the Hindus in Sri Lanka will be so grateful to your good self as this action will create a positive impact amongst Sri Lankans.
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