SriLanka, Sept. 30 -- The Court of Appeal yesterday ordered the arrest of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera and directed the Inspector General (IGP) to execute the warrant and produce him before court on October 1.

The order was made after the Thera failed to appear before court in connection with contempt of court proceedings relating to his conviction and the subsequent presidential pardon granted to him.

A two-judge Bench comprising Justices Mayadunne Corea and Lakmali Karunanayake observed that the failure of the respondent to appear before court in a contempt of court matter was a serious issue requiring consideration.

The Bench also noted that no medical reports had been produced to substantiate the Thera's absence on medical g...