Sri Lanka, Sept. 29 -- The Court of Appeal today directed the counsel appearing for Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera to advise him to be present in court in connection with a contempt of court application after the Thera failed to appear before court.

The matter was taken up before a two-judge Bench comprising Justices Mayadunne Corea and Lakmali Karunanayake.

President's Counsel Anura Meddegoda, appearing for Ven. Gnanasara Thera, informed court that his client was scheduled to undergo surgery. However, he failed to produce any medical certificate before court to substantiate the reason for his absence.

State Counsel appearing for the Attorney General submitted that the presence of the respondent was essential in a contempt of cou...