President Maithripala Sirisena expressed regret over the Police using tear gas and water cannons on Bidu Bala Sena monks protesting in front of the Presidential Secretariat, this afternoon. 

Issuing a media statement a short while ago, the President's Media Division said the President has ordered an investigation into the incident.

The release also said President Maithripala Sirisena held a "cordial discussion" with the Bodu Bala Sena monks over Ganansara Thera's issue.

The President had told them he was not aware that the Buddhist monks were staging a protest near the Presidential Secretariat. 

The Bodu Bala Sena monks protested near the Presidential Secretariat demanding Presidential pardon for its General Secretary Galagoaaththe Gnanasara Thera. The Police 

Gnanasara Thera is currently serving a 06-year Rigorous Imprisonment for contempt of court.