Police officers attached to the Anuradhapura Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau recorded statements this afternoon (08) from a group of Buddhist monks, led by Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, who are continuing their satyagraha for a second consecutive day near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura, despite a court order directing them to leave the premises.

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero said the protest would continue until the gazette notification relating to the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan is withdrawn.

The satyagraha entered its second day today at the Dansal premises near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya.

Police officers who visited the site this morning to remind the monks of the court order faced opposition from the protesting group.

Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and several other monks, along with a group of laypeople, launched the protest last morning (07) at the Dansal premises near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya, opposing the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan.

Tensions escalated at the site following an argument between an individual accompanying the monks and an ice cream vendor. Police intervened to bring the situation under control.

Subsequently, police reported the matter to the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court and presented the monks with a court order directing them to vacate the sacred area. However, the monks refused to leave and continued their protest.

A public signature campaign opposing the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan was also conducted at the location today.