A strong ally of President Maithripala Sirisena, Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera was seen at the forefront of the group supporting BBS General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, at Hulftsdorp yesterday. 

Sumangala Thera also leads an organisation by the name of Anti-corruption Front and works closely with some senior Presidential advisors. 

Many good-governance activists expressed dismay at Sumangala Thera's presence at the courts premises yesterday. They said Sumangala Thera's conduct reflected badly on the President and the good-governance camp. 

While speaking to the reporters, Sumangala Thera thanked the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter for issuing a statement in favour of Gnanasara Thera. Commenting on Gnansara Thera being granted bail, Sumangala Thera justice was meted out to the General Secretary of the BBS.