Homagama High Court today said the verdict on Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary's appeal against the 6 months imprisonment would be delivered on February 08. 

It was initially expected that the High Court would deliver the verdict today allowing President Maithripala Sirisena to grant the monk Presidential pardon on February 04.

However, Homagama HC judge Amal Thilakaratne today said the verdict would only be delivered on February 08. With the Homgama court set to deliver its judgment on February 08, it is unclear whether Gananasara Thera will be released on Presidential pardon next Monday. 

The Homagama Magistrate's Court convicted the monk of contempt of court last year as he threatened Prageeth Ekneligoda's wife, Sandhya Ekkneligoda, within the Homagama Magistrate's Court premises. Gnanasara Thera appeal against the conviction in the Homagama HC. 

However, there is no legal barrier to release Gnanasara Thera on Presidential pardon after February 08.