Three Monks Detained Amid Protests at Anuradhapura

Three monks, including the prominent Balangoda Kassapa Thera, have been taken into police custody following several days of intense fasting and a sit-in protest at the Ruwanweli Maha Seya premises in Anuradhapura. The monks were advocating for the immediate withdrawal of a proposed gazette related to the Anuradhapura Puja City Development Project.

The atmosphere turned tense today as another group arrived at the protest site, leading to clashes between the two factions. Reports indicate that damages occurred to the premises where the fasting monks were situated, prompting security forces to swiftly intervene.

In response, the magistrate court in Anuradhapura had previously issued directives to prevent the monks, including Balangoda Kassapa, from setting up makeshift structures that obstructed access to sacred areas surrounding the Ruwanweli Maha Seya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Despite this court order, the monks continued their protest unhindered.

Additionally, a warrant had been issued against the monks by the Trincomalee Magistrate's Court due to their failure to appear in a case concerning the placement of a Buddha statue. This is not the first incident for the monks; they have previously alleged police violence during an earlier protest at the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, and the Colombo Crime Division had summoned them for questioning regarding those allegations.