Police detain Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera after clash at Anuradhapura protest site
Summarised by AI from 15 articles
On 12 November 2026, clashes erupted at a protest site near Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura, where Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thera and others were staging a fast-unto-death against the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Project.
The violence broke out when an opposing group led by Rajanganaya Saddharathana, who was recently expelled from the monkhood, arrived at the site. Saddharathana sustained a head injury after being struck with a pole.
Police intervened and removed the fasting platform. Ada Derana reported that three individuals, including Kassapa Thera, were taken into police custody, while Divaina stated that four monks were detained.
The satyagraha began on 7 November before escalating into a hunger strike on 11 November. Divaina reported that protesters were also demanding the release of Venerable Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera.
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How the story developed
- EසිதThis storyPolice removed the fasting platform and detained four monks following a clash at the site.
- EසිதPolice 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.
