Sri Lanka, Oct. 26 -- The United National Party stresses that a presidential pardon must be granted immediately to Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera to resolve the current situation.

According to a statement issued by the party, a sathyagraha held to demand freedom for the thera was temporarily concluded following instructions from the chief prelates of the three nikayas.

Former Chief Justice Sarat N. Silva noted that the maximum prison sentence for contempt of court is 18 months, and the thera served over 10 months in prison for this offence.

The statement highlights that a presidential pardon was previously granted to the thera upon the request of the chief prelates, and the Supreme Court ruling also indicates that granting another presid...