Police arrest Balangoda Kassapa Thera and other monks following Ruwanweli Seya clash
Summarised by AI from 8 articles
Police in Anuradhapura arrested Buddhist monks, including Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera, on 12 November following a clash at their protest site near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya.
The monks launched a fast-unto-death on 11 November opposing the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Project and demanding the release of imprisoned monk Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera.
Tensions erupted on 12 November during a confrontation with a group led by recently defrocked monk Rajangane Saddharatana, who sustained head injuries after allegedly being struck with a club or pole.
Police dismantled the protest tent after the altercation. Daily Mirror and Tamil Mirror reported that three monks were arrested, whereas Lankadeepa stated that four monks and a group of laypersons were taken into custody.
Read the original reports
How the story developed
- EසිதPolice removed the fasting platform and detained four monks following a clash at the site.
- EසිதThis storyPolice arrested Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera following a violent clash at the protest site.
- සිதThree Buddhist monks commenced a fast-unto-death demanding the development plan's withdrawal and a presidential pardon.
- EසිA retired Air Force officer filed a fundamental rights petition regarding police assault during protests.
