Balangoda Kassapa Thero leaves hospital after Viharamahadevi Park protest

Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero has left the National Hospital in Colombo after being treated for injuries sustained during a protest at Viharamahadevi Park. The monk had arrived at the emergency unit around 8:30 PM following a Satyagraha demonstration where he requested the release of Venerable Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero.

Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara, Director of the National Hospital, stated that medical examinations, including X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests, showed no signs of injury or physical defects. Although the monk claimed he had been hit on the head and doctors advised admission to an emergency ward for observation, he refused treatment and left the hospital at approximately 9:30 PM.

Separately, the Sri Lanka Police have denied allegations of assault. Authorities issued a statement claiming that the senior monk was not struck or manhandled by officers, but instead slipped and fell during the demonstration. Police maintain that the injury was accidental and have called for the public to await the results of a formal inquiry.