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Event

Foot march for Gnanasara’s release, October 2026

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Details

Route

From the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, due to reach Colombo on 15 October 2026

Status

Reached the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on the evening of 15 October 2026, where monks met the Presidential Secretary. On 16 October 2026 police reported obtaining a Fort Magistrate’s Court order prohibiting protests in front of the Presidential Secretariat, citing its high-security zone status, while the monks remained on the road. By 17 October 2026 the monks had moved to Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, where they said they would stay until Gnanasara is released; the satyagraha entered its third day on 18 October 2026

Appears on

Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara

Connections (3)

• Foot march for Gnanasara’s release, October 2026 / Calls for the release of / Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara
  • A march led by Buddhist monks left the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises in Kandy on 10 October 2026, opposing the removal of his robes in prison and demanding his release.10 Oct 2026 · Newswire · Buddhist monks begin protest march in Kandy demanding Gnanasara Thera’s release
  • On its third day the march was to go from Kegalle towards Warakapola, and was scheduled to reach Colombo on 15 October.12 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Foot march calling for Gnanasara Thero’s release continues for third day
• Foot march for Gnanasara’s release, October 2026 / Monks on the march met, on 15 October 2026 at the Presidential Secretariat, / Nandika Sanath Kumanayake
  • The monks asked that a “technical flaw” they said was in the presidential pardon be rectified, and asked how long it would take. The article says the Presidential Secretary told them a definitive answer could not be given at that time; it says he did not at first come forward and the monks sat on the road in protest before the meeting.15 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Presidential Secretary meets Buddhist monks protesting for release of Gnanasara Thero
  • Reports that the Chief of Presidential Staff, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, then spoke with the monks and said the President had been informed of their request and had agreed to let the government proceed under the legal procedures and the Constitution; asked for a timeframe, he said none could be given, and the monks decided to stay. The article also says police obtained a Fort Magistrate’s Court order prohibiting protests in front of the Presidential Secretariat, citing its high-security zone designation, and that the monks were still occupying the road on the morning of 16 October.16 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Court order issued prohibiting protests in front of Presidential Secretariat
  • Reports that the monks, who had gathered in front of the Presidential Secretariat until the evening of 16 October, marched to the Ministry of Buddhasasana and, saying talks with the Ministry Secretary had been unsuccessful, went to Viharamahadevi Park. It says a tense situation arose with police when they tried to erect a hut overnight, and that Venerable Thiththagalle Anandasiri Thero said they would not leave until Gnanasara is released.17 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Monks continue satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park demanding Gnanasara Thero’s release
• Balangoda Kassapa Thero / Quoted on 16 October 2026 about, and taken to hospital on 17 October 2026 during, the protest on / Foot march for Gnanasara’s release, October 2026
  • After a Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court order prohibited protests near the Presidential Secretariat, he said the monks had approached the court but had not received the legal permission or relief they sought, and that matters relating to the offering of robes were the responsibility of the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs. He said the monks intended to remain near the Ministry of Buddhasasana that night.16 Oct 2026 · Newswire · Gnanasara Thera protest: Monks move to Buddhasasana Ministry for talks
  • Reports that on the night of 17 October he was taken to the Colombo National Hospital in a Suwa Seriya ambulance after a sudden health condition during a tense situation between police and the monks, and that some monks and protesters alleged police assaulted him. Police Media Spokesperson ASP Fredrick Wootler rejected the claim, saying the monk slipped and fell. It says he left the hospital about an hour after admission, and the hospital director said he left after stating he no longer needed treatment.18 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park demanding Gnanasara Thero’s release enters third day
  • Police said a social media video alleging officers assaulted the monk was false and that he slipped from a concrete step after officers told the group that using a loudspeaker and erecting a shelter were unlawful. It adds that Cinnamon Gardens Police are conducting further investigations and that police warned of action against those spreading false information.18 Oct 2026 · Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) · Police say Balangoda Kassapa Thera injured in accidental fall