It’s demagoguery, not democracy

The ongoing partisan politics in Sri Lanka, as illustrated by the case of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, highlights how each political faction has exploited the saffron robe to achieve their own partisan goals without regard for the good name of Buddhism or the common welfare of all Sri Lankans. Gnanasara's actions on January 25, 2016, at Homagama Magistrate's Court, where he disrupted proceedings, addressed the court without permission, and intimidated participants, led to his conviction on four counts of contempt of court and a 19-year sentence, which was later fully pardoned by President Maithripala Sirisena just nine months later.

The Supreme Court overturned this pardon in 2026, deeming it "arbitrary and invalid," stating that executive clemency must be reasoned and cannot undermine judicial authority. Despite this, the monk was arrested on October 3, 2026, and a 9-month sentence for insulting Islam remained in force, currently under appeal. The case demonstrates how partisan interests have used Gnanasara as a pawn, whether to gain votes in 2019, to appoint him to a Presidential Task Force in 2020, or to demonize the judiciary in 2026.

Each instance has damaged Buddhism's reputation and eroded the public's trust in the rule of law. The Supreme Court's September 10 ruling, while a step towards restoring justice, underscores the need for Sri Lankans to prioritize the common good and put country first by letting the law run its course without political interference, allowing Buddhist leaders to speak for the faith, and ceasing to use court judgments as election slogans.

Only then can the country hope to rebuild trust, mitigate poverty, and achieve sustainable development.