Two Fundamental Rights petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court against the release of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Ganansara Thera on a special presidential pardon.

The Attorney General has been cited as the respondent in the petitions, on behalf of the President.

Dr. Paikiasothi Saravanamuttu and the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) have filed the petition claiming that Gnanasara Thera's release amounted to a violation of the Constitution.

Gnanasara Thera, who was convicted of contempt of court, was released on a special presidential pardon by the President last month.