The two who were jailed for the Sri Lankans are released on bail, but Wasantha is back in!
On the order of the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, the convener of the Inter-University Monks’ Federation, and Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation, were released yesterday – December 12, on personal bail of one lakh rupees each.A group of lawyers including President’s Attorney Saliya Peiris and Kamal Wijesiri appeared before the court on behalf of Ven. Siridhamma Thero and Wasantha Mudalige. Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Wasantha Mudalige and Ven. Siridhamma Thero were detained for 89 days, and they were brought before the court on November 14.
On November 23rd, Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thero was granted bail by the Colombo Additional Magistrate but he was presented to the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court for another case. It is related to allegations of riotous behavior, obstructing the duty of police officers, and damaging government property while holding a protest in front of the Ministry of Education – Isurupaya last May.
But the police officers were unable to identify Venerable Siridhamma Thero during the identification yesterday, and the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court ordered the release of the suspects Siridhamma Thero and Wasantha Mudalige on bail.
However, Wasantha Mudalige was ordered to be remanded until the 12th in connection with another case.
Speaking to the media after being released on bail, Reverend Siridhamma Thero said:“Unable to face the economic crisis in the country, the people launched a massive struggle. We intervened in that struggle in the form of the Interuniversity College Student Federation and the Monk Federation. For that, the government answered by taking us. But that crisis exists in the same way. People face the crisis in the same way. Therefore, we continue the struggle in the same way.” Ven. Siridamma said.
Also, he said, “our brother, Wasantha Mudalige is still in custody. We continue this struggle until he is freed. Also, for the welfare of the people in the country and for the sake of the people in the country, we will continue this struggle until an environment in which they can live peacefully.” Venerable Siridhamma Thero further stated.
