The UNP’s call for an immediate presidential pardon for Ven. Gnanasara Thera is precisely the kind of political intervention we should be moving away from. The Supreme Court ruled that the previous pardon was arbitrary and unlawful. That judgment deserves respect—not another campaign for preferential treatment. The President is right to stand firm on judicial independence. In my view, the public voted for change because they were tired of the cronyism, corruption and political favouritism associated with previous regimes of UNP and SLPP. They expect accountability, not a return to a system where political connections place some people above the law. With the protest campaign now suspended, with a five star conspiracy scandal too the UNP’s intervention looks more like an attempt to fish in troubled waters than a principled stand for justice. Respect for Buddhism and the Maha Sangha should never be used to justify political pressure on the administration of justice. Any request for a fresh pardon must be considered lawfully and on its merits—not dictated by party statements or public ultimatums. Tje UNP should challenge this in courts not ask Pres @anuradisanayake as a favor. The UNP should respect that distinction. UNP calls for immediate presidential pardon for Ven. Gnanasara Thera newswire.lk/567z #lka