Balangoda Kassapa Thero and Six Others Remanded Over Ruwanwelisaya Unrest

COLOMBO(News 1st): Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate Siyapath Sasindu Wickramaratne ordered that seven individuals, including Balangoda Kassapa Thero, who were arrested over unruly behavior at the Ruwanwelisaya sacred premises, be remanded until the 26th of this month.

The Chief Magistrate issued this order after visiting the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital to inspect the monks and civilians who are currently receiving treatment there.

The Chief Magistrate also ordered the Anuradhapura Headquarters Police to produce the first suspect, Balangoda Kassapa Thero,against whom an arrest warrant had been issued by the Trincomalee Magistrate's Court for failing to appear for a case on the 11th, before the Trincomalee Magistrate's Court and subsequently report back to the Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court.

Furthermore, the Chief Magistrate ordered that the suspects be tested for drug use and a report be submitted to the court.

The suspects, including Balangoda Kassapa Thero, were produced before the court on charges of assaulting and injuring Ven. Rajanganaye Saddharathana Thero and obstructing police duties.

Police stated that two women are also among the arrested civilians.

Police Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler, stated that the Chief Magistrate also ordered a psychiatric medical report to be obtained regarding the remanded monk.