Sri Lanka, Oct. 19 -- Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who was hospitalised on Saturday (17), returned to the protest at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo yesterday (18), warning that demonstrators may seek to elect a new President if the incumbent refuses to grant a pardon to Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Speaking to protesters at the site, Kassapa Thera said their main demand was the unconditional release of Gnanasara Thera, who is currently serving a prison sentence.

He claimed that the government had misinterpreted the purpose of the demonstration, assuming that the monks were attempting to overthrow the administration.

"The government believes we have come to topple them. However, the responsibility for releasing Gnanasara ...