The Government cannot act contrary to the Supreme Court (SC) ruling against Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday (20), stressing that the law must be upheld without exception.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, he was responding to a question on why the Government could not grant a Presidential pardon to the imprisoned monk.

Dr Jayatissa said Gnanasara Thera had been sentenced following judicial proceedings and that the Government could not disregard a decision delivered by the SC.

He said the Government had come to power with a commitment to uphold the rule of law and could not defy a court order in response to public demands.

Emphasising that the law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of status, position or power, he said even those who had not voted for the Government expected it to uphold the law without making exceptions based on an individual's standing or influence.

Accordingly, Dr Jayatissa said the Government would act in accordance with existing laws and the orders issued by the SC.