A tense situation reportedly erupted when Buddhist monks including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero prepared to launch a satyagraha at the dansal grounds in front of the historic Ruwanweliseya sacred area, under the theme "Defeat the government's so-called development plan destroying the Anuradhapura sacred land".
Although police had previously notified the organisers not to set up temporary structures at the site where the satyagraha was initiated, the protest began while such structures were being erected. Police had also obtained a court order against the fast.
Key Points
- The satyagraha was organised against a development plan deemed destructive to the Anuradhapura sacred land
- One person who behaved in a disruptive manner was arrested by police
- Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and several others sustained minor injuries during the commotion
- Police had also obtained a court order against the protest fast
Tension between police and monks
Police attempted to arrest an individual following an argument between a civilian devotee participating in the satyagraha and an outsider. As Buddhist monks intervened at that moment, a heated confrontation broke out between the police and the monks.
During the unrest, police arrested a person operating the loudspeaker system who was behaving in a disorderly manner. It was also reported that several persons, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Statement by Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero
Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero stated that the satyagraha was launched following an adhishtana pooja in front of the Ruwanweliseya, in protest against a project transferring sacred lands and national property to India.
The Thero further mentioned that they engaged in raising public awareness after receiving the full blessings of the Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Chaityaramaya.
