The Colombo Additional Magistrate Court No.03 today convicted Ven. Gnanasara Thero under Section 291B of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka for making hate speech in 2016. The Hon. Magistrate sentenced the accused to nine months in prison and imposed a fine of Rs. 1,500.
The case stemmed from a statement made by Gnanasara Thero in 2016, where he referred to Islam as “a cancer” and declared his intent to “wipe it out.” Following this inflammatory remark, numerous complaints were lodged by members of the Muslim community, prompting legal action.
During the sentencing, attorneys representing Gnanasara Thero requested leniency, citing his medical condition and submitting medical reports as evidence. Despite these mitigating efforts, the court delivered a conviction after a prolonged trial.
The prosecution, conducted by the Kirulapone Police, concluded with the legal representation for the complainants being led by Senior Attorney Shiraz Noordeen.
