SriLanka, Oct. 9 -- A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an order invalidating the decision by prison authorities to remove the monastic robes of Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence.

The petition was filed by Venerable Thiniyawala Palitha Thero, Ada Derana reporter said.

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, Minister of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and several others have been named as respondents in the petition.

The petitioner states that Article 9 of the Constitution places a responsibility on the State to protect and foster Buddhism.

The petition furthe...