Buddhist monks continue protest near Presidential Secretariat

Buddhist monks and supporters have staged a sit-in at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera from prison. Ada Derana Tamil reported that the protest was continuing for a third day; Newswire said protesters remained at the park chanting pirith despite rain.

The group had also protested outside the Presidential Secretariat. Daily Mirror and Ada Derana reported that monks then went to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. Four monk representatives were granted a meeting with ministry officials. The reports do not provide details of what was discussed or any outcome.

The Island reported that the park protest took a turn on Saturday evening during a confrontation with police. Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, described as one of the protest’s leaders, was taken to Colombo National Hospital and later transferred himself to a private hospital, saying he feared for his safety. Protest activists alleged police, including an assistant superintendent, assaulted him. Police spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler rejected that account and said Kassapa had slipped and fallen.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.