Sri Lanka, Oct. 9 -- A writ application was filed in the Court of Appeal seeking an order to quash the decision taken by prison authorities to remove the robes of imprisoned Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Venerable Theeniyawala Palitha Thera filed the application.

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, the Secretary to the Ministry, Minister of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and several others were named as respondents.

Protecting and fostering Buddhism remains the responsibility of the government according to Article 09 of the Constitution, the petitioning monk stated.

Following imprisonment on charges of contempt of court, steps were taken to remove Gnana...