It is reported that the police have arrested Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organization, while he was staying at a forest hermitage in the Theeniyawala area. The arrest was carried out in accordance with a warrant issued for his arrest and subsequent production before the court.
This arrest follows an order directing that he be taken into custody and produced before the court.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena had previously granted a presidential pardon to the Thero regarding a charge of contempt of court. However, after the Supreme Court—in a case filed challenging that pardon—declared it null and void, a warrant was issued ordering his immediate arrest and production before the court.