Colombo, Oct. 15 (Daily Mirror) - A video has been circulating widely on social media featuring Ven. Thiththagalle Anandasiri Thero, claiming that a supporter who provided assistance to a freedom march traveling from Kandy to Colombo for the release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero was attacked with a helmet by a group of individuals.
According to investigations, the incident took place on October 14, 2026, within the Veragula police division, and the injured person seen in the video is currently receiving treatment at the Wathupitiwala Base Hospital.
The Veragula Police station has recorded a statement from the victim, which revealed that the dispute arose due to a traffic congestion near the Vuriyawatta Kovil/Devalaya. A heated argument erupted between the victim and another individual over the traffic, leading the other person to strike him with a helmet. A member of the clergy had subsequently arrived and questioned the parties regarding the incident on video.
Police clarified that the victim was not connected to the march in any way. Instead, he was traveling in a lorry for personal business when a road altercation occurred with a motorcyclist amidst heavy traffic. The motorcyclist involved in the assault is also currently admitted to the Gampaha Hospital for treatment.
Initial investigations revealed that Ven. Thiththagalle Anandasiri Thero utilized this incident to record and upload a video to social media showing the victim's injuries, falsely claiming that a supporter accompanying the Thero's group had been deliberately attacked by a mob.
The Veragula Police are scheduled to report the facts regarding this misleading social media video to the honorable court. The Sri Lanka Police have issued a strict warning that they are taking legal action against the publishing and spreading of such false, unverified information that creates public unrest and disruption.
Furthermore, the police urge the general public to exercise caution and awareness regarding misleading videos spreading false information online, as the Veragula Police continue further investigations into the matter.