The Colombo Magistrate Court stated that it sentenced Galagodaatte Gnanasara, a controversial Sri Lankan Buddhist monk who made derogatory remarks against Islam and inciting religious hatred to nine months in prison because all citizens have right to freedom of belief under the constitution. The case, which highlights the importance of maintaining religious harmony in Sri Lanka, addresses comments Gnanasara made during a 2016 media conference where he openly insulted Islam.
Gnanasara’s conviction marks a significant moment in Sri Lankan legal history, as it is rare for Buddhist monks to be prosecuted, let alone imprisoned, for hate speech. Despite this rarity, the monk has been a repeat offender, having faced multiple allegations of hate crimes and anti-Muslim violence over the years. His latest sentence follows a pattern of controversial actions that have put him at odds with the law. In 2018, he was sentenced to six years for contempt of court and intimidating the wife of a disappeared political cartoonist, though he served only nine months after receiving a presidential pardon from then-President Maithripala Sirisena.
The most recent charges against Gnanasara were revived after he was arrested in December for his inflammatory comments. The court imposed a fine of 1,500 Sri Lankan rupees ($5), with an additional month of imprisonment as a penalty for failing to pay. Despite his appeal against the ruling, the court rejected his request for bail, signaling a firm stance on hate speech and religious intolerance.
Gnanasara’s political ties have amplified the significance of his case. A close ally of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, he was appointed head of a presidential task force on legal reforms aimed at safeguarding religious harmony during Rajapaksa’s administration. However, the monk’s actions often contradicted the stated mission of fostering unity. His influence waned after Rajapaksa was ousted amid mass protests over Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022. Since then, Gnanasara has faced intensified legal scrutiny for his repeated transgressions against the country’s Muslim minority.
This conviction is the second instance of the monk being jailed for hate speech within a year. Previously, he was granted bail while appealing a four-year sentence for similar charges. His repeated brushes with the law reflect a broader struggle within Sri Lanka to balance freedom of expression with the imperative to protect minority rights and prevent religious violence. The court’s ruling reinforces a message that incitement to hatred, regardless of the offender’s religious or political status, will not be tolerated.
Gnanasara’s imprisonment is seen by many as a victory for justice and religious tolerance, but it also raises questions about the challenges of curbing hate speech in a deeply divided society. His legal battles illustrate the complexities of prosecuting influential religious figures who wield significant political clout. While the court’s actions demonstrate a firm commitment to upholding constitutional values, the broader societal impact of these rulings will depend on continued vigilance against hate-based rhetoric and a collective commitment to fostering peace and respect among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
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