Colombo, Oct 18 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Police have denied allegations that officers assaulted Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who was hospitalised after an incident during a satyagraha at Colombo’s Viharamahadevi Park, claiming that he sustained injuries after accidentally slipping and falling.
Police said a video circulating on social media alleging that officers assaulted the monk was false.
The satyagraha, led by Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, was held near the Buddha statue within Viharamahadevi Park on the night of October 17, demanding the release of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera through legal channels.
According to Police, participants attempted to use a loudspeaker to address the gathering and erect a temporary shelter using tent fabric. Officers intervened to explain that these actions were unlawful.
During the incident, Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and several other monks had gathered at the location when the Thera allegedly slipped and fell from a concrete step.
He was subsequently admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.
Police maintained that no assault had taken place and that the monk’s injuries resulted from an accidental fall.
They also warned that action would be taken against those responsible for spreading false information intended to provoke the public and incite unrest.
Police urged the public to exercise caution when viewing videos circulating on social media, while the Cinnamon Gardens Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.