The appeal against the acquittal of 13 individuals including Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera over an incident in 2008 was fixed for trial from March 1 by the Court of Appeal.

Notice was issued to Gnanasara Thera to appear in court on the date of hearing by the Court of Appeal.

The thirteen individuals including Gnanasara Thera and two other monks were charged for being members of unlawful assembly to attack a Calvary church in Thalahena, causing mischief and alleged robbery of two gold chains. Indictment was read out to the accused on June 20, 2013, and they were acquitted and released by the High Court on April 2, 2014..

The Attorney General filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal against the High Court decision.