Controversial Sri Lankan Monk Sentenced for Islam Insult

In a rare legal action against a Buddhist cleric in Sri Lanka, Galagodaatte Gnanasara has been sentenced to nine months in prison for inciting religious hatred against Islam, marking a significant turn in addressing hate speech in the country.

A hardline Buddhist monk influential in Sri Lanka’s nationalist movements, Gnanasara’s conviction on Thursday stems from statements made during a media conference in 2016. This ruling from the Colombo Magistrate's Court is noteworthy not only for its content but because convictions against Buddhist monks are quite rare in Sri Lanka.

Gnanasara, a close associate of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who resigned in the wake of widespread protests against economic mismanagement, has faced numerous accusations of promoting anti-Muslim sentiment and violence throughout his career. Despite a prior presidential pardon that cut short a six-year sentence for intimidation and contempt, he found himself back in legal troubles after being arrested last December.

The court emphasized the constitutional right of all citizens to freedom of belief, underscoring the seriousness of Gnanasara’s actions. Along with his prison sentence, he was also fined 1,500 Sri Lankan rupees (approximately $5). If he fails to pay the fine, he could face an additional month in prison.

Gnanasara has since appealed the ruling, but his bail request was denied, keeping him incarcerated while legal proceedings continue. His appointment as head of a presidential task force designed to foster religious harmony during Rajapaksa's presidency is also under scrutiny given his history of hate speech and intimidation.

Having previously served a short sentence after a 2018 conviction for contempt of court, Gnanasara’s ongoing legal battles are emblematic of the broader tensions between different religious communities in Sri Lanka as the nation grapples with its socio-political fabric.