Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero’s robes were removed and he was dressed in civilian clothing in accordance with the Prisons Ordinance.

He stated that the same procedure has been applied to all 63 Buddhist monks currently serving prison sentences for various offences, with no special exception made in this case.

The Kotte Sangha Sabha has objected, stating that any disciplinary decision on whether a monk should retain or remove robes falls under the authority of the Sangha Sabha.