Sri Lanka, Oct. 14 -- The Department of Prisons has denied allegations that the robes of Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera was improperly removed inside prison facilities, saying no such incidents or violations of prison regulations have been reported or observed.

Prisons Spokesman and Commissioner of Prisons Senaka Pallewatta made the clarification at a media briefing, stating that prison authorities operate within the legal framework governing correctional institutions and have no legal provision to take arbitrary action against members of the clergy in custody.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo on October 12, Udaya Gammanpila alleged that Gnanasara Thera had been forcibly made to wear a prison uniform despite objections from th...