The Satyagraha campaign commenced by a group of Buddhist monks at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, continued for a third consecutive day today (18).

The monks began the protest on the evening of October 16 after arriving at Viharamahadevi Park following their protest march from Kandy to Colombo. A tense situation developed between the monks and the police on the same day when the protesters attempted to erect a canopy at the site.

The Buddhist monks participating in the Satyagraha have stated that they will not leave the location until Ven. Gnanasara Thero is released.

A group of monks who had been protesting outside the Presidential Secretariat subsequently proceeded to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, where they held discussions with the Ministry Secretary on October 16.

However, describing the discussions as unsuccessful, the monks said they would remain at Viharamahadevi Park premises until their demands were addressed.

Meanwhile, a tense situation arose between the police and the monks participating in the Satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park last night (17).

Following a sudden health condition, Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero was taken to the Colombo National Hospital in a ‘Suwa Seriya’ ambulance.

Some of the monks and other protesters alleged that the police had assaulted Ven. Kassapa Thero.

However, commenting on the allegations, Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fredrick Wootler, rejected claims of an assault, stating that the monk had slipped and fallen at the location before being admitted to hospital.

Venerable Kassapa Thero left the hospital approximately an hour after being admitted.

Director of the Colombo National Hospital, Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara, said the Ven. Kassapa Thero had left after stating that he no longer required medical treatment.