Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero stated that the peaceful satyagraha and fast had been organised calling for the release of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero and protesting against alleged Indian involvement in a proposed development project within the Anuradhapura sacred area.

Pointing out that this assault was no second to the 1986 attack by the LTTE, the Thero alleged that the disruption of the peaceful protest was carried out with state patronage.

Key Points

  • The satyagraha was staged demanding the release of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, among several other demands.
  • Allegations have been raised that a helmet-wearing group led by an individual named Rajanganaya carried out the attack.
  • The Thero alleged that police officers were withdrawn from the scene to facilitate a planned attack.
  • A warning was issued that stern action would be taken if the Mahanayake Theros do not act promptly on the matter.

Police conduct questioned

The Thero stated that a helmet-wearing group led by an individual named Rajanganaya, who was expelled from the Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Sasana, participated in the attack. He pointed out that this group enjoys the backing of the government.

He charged that although this person had acted unruly for two days, the police took no legal action, and that officers were pulled away during the incident on the IGP's orders to facilitate the assault. He further said that instead of arresting the attackers, the police took into custody the very persons who were engaged in the satyagraha.

Attempt to divert budget attention

Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero opined that the government orchestrated this attack as a drama to cover up its failure to deliver relief to the public through the budget.

Revealing that he possesses audio recordings of threats made to him over the phone by an individual named Shan Ganegoda during the incident, the Thero stated that they intend to file complaints at national and international levels regarding the human rights violations that took place.

What next?

Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero declared that if the Mahanayake Theros fail to take action against this anti-Sasana conduct within 24, 48, or 72 hours, their group will take stern action to protect the Sasana and secure justice for Gnanasara Thero.