Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero has defended his visit to a five-star hotel in Colombo after a video circulated on social media, accusing government supporters of attempting to discredit Buddhist monks involved in the ongoing protest demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.
Addressing the controversy, the Thero said he had been unwell and that devotees had arranged accommodation and medical assistance for him.
He said his fever had risen to around 102 degrees Fahrenheit and that supporters had arranged several places where he could rest during the protest.
However, he said he had declined many invitations because he wanted to remain close to the protest site at Viharamahadevi Park.
The Thero said he had visited certain locations at the invitation of devotees, where medical teams had also provided treatment.
Defending the acceptance of accommodation and other assistance, he said Buddhist devotees had traditionally provided food, accommodation, vehicles, land and even houses to monks and religious institutions.
“Some people can offer a bottle of water, while others can provide tents, food or accommodation. There are even people willing to offer their houses and lands,” he said.
He questioned why controversy was being created over a hotel room when, according to Buddhist tradition, devotees had historically donated entire properties and villages for religious purposes.
The Thero also raised concerns over the alleged disclosure of sensitive personal information relating to those providing assistance to the monks.
He alleged that individuals responsible for managing establishments, including hotels, had released personal and identification details to the media.
Describing the alleged disclosures as a serious matter, he warned that such incidents could undermine public confidence in international hotel establishments operating in Sri Lanka.
He said legal action was being considered over the alleged disclosure of personal information.
The Thero further accused government supporters of photographing vehicles used by the monks, identifying their owners and releasing the information to the media in an attempt to intimidate those supporting the protest. (Newswire)
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