A prominent Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka has been sentenced to nine months in prison for making inflammatory statements against Islam, drawing attention to the ongoing issue of religious intolerance in the country. The monk, Galagodaatte Gnanasara, was convicted of inciting religious hatred, marking his second conviction for similar offenses. The sentence was handed down on January 9, 2025, following his previous history of making controversial and offensive remarks.
Gnanasara had previously been arrested in 2016 for making derogatory statements that were considered offensive to the Muslim community. Despite his conviction, he had not faced any prison time until the political landscape shifted, prompting renewed scrutiny of his actions.
This latest conviction highlights the tensions between religious groups in Sri Lanka. Muslims make up more than 10% of the country's population of 22 million, and their community has frequently been at the center of national debates on religious and political issues. The monk’s actions have raised concerns about the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the protection of religious sensitivities.
Gnanasara’s controversial past also includes other legal battles. In 2019, he was convicted for contempt of court and for threatening the family of a journalist. Although he was sentenced to six years in prison, he was released after serving just nine months, following a presidential pardon. At the time, Gnanasara was a close ally of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had appointed him to lead a task force aimed at promoting religious harmony in Sri Lanka.
This case underscores the challenges of managing religious and ethnic diversity in Sri Lanka, where Buddhist nationalism sometimes comes into conflict with the rights of minority groups. The verdict not only reflects concerns about public figures inciting religious tensions but also raises broader questions about the social and political dynamics within the country.