The case is in connection with his having stormed a media briefing by Jathika Bala Sena at Hotel Nippon, Colombo on 09 April 2014, threatened its chairman Watareka Vijitha Thera and insulted the Koran.

Presently remanded over a contempt of court charge, Gnanasara Thera is also accused of having scolded and threatened the opposing lawyers at a previous hearing.

The court warned him against threatening lawyers, noting that lawyers have a right to appear for anyone.

Both BBS and JBS were told to avoid engaging in acts that would harm religious coexistence.

CID sources say Gnanasara Thera will be charged separately of trying to create communal disharmony under clause 120 of the penal cord over an incident at Darga Town in December 2014.

Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed police to investigate and initiate legal action with regard to such incidents that had taken place during the period of the Rajapaksa regime.

Meanwhile, the BBS held a protest in front of Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy yesterday, in which strongman of the organization Dilanthe Withanage led a head-shaving campaign demanding freedom for Gnanasara Thera as well as military intelligence members presently in custody.

Also present was the mother of the Thera.