The President's Media Division, issuing a statement, denied reports claiming that Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara was a member of President Maithripala Sirisena's delegation to Japan. 

The statement, however, said Gnanasara Thera attended the President's meeting with the Sri Lankan community in Japan. 

"Chief incumbents of Buddhist temples in Japan were also invited for the meeting and Gnanasara Thera had attended the meeting with them," the PMD said. 

President's Secretary Austin Fernando earlier said that Ulapane Sumangala Thera was the only Buddhist monk in the President's delegation to Japan. 

Sumangala Thera, however, is known to be a close associate of Gnanasara Thera.