# Protest and controversy involving Balangoda Kassapa Thero > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/protest-and-controversy-involving-balangoda-kassapa-thero > Updated: 2026-10-25T02:01:46.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Following a Satyagraha protest at Viharamahadevi Park aimed at securing the release of Venerable Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thero, senior Buddhist cleric Balangoda Kassapa Thero sought medical treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo. While the monk claimed he was struck on the head during the demonstration, hospital officials reported no physical defects found during examinations, and Sri Lanka Police denied allegations of assault, stating the monk had accidentally slipped and fallen. Subsequent controversy emerged regarding the Thero’s stay at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo. He defended the stay as a necessity due to illness following the protest and addressed social media criticism regarding his use of a shawl to obscure his identity. He also defended a meeting with former minister Sarath Weerasekara, despite critics suggesting that such political interactions might contradict the goals of his non-violent resistance movement. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Balangoda Kassapa Thero defends meeting with Sarath Weerasekara Buddhist cleric Balangoda Kassapa Thero defended his meeting with former minister Sarath Weerasekara and his stay at a Colombo hotel, citing illness and the right to receive visitors amid public criticism. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balangoda-kassapa-thero-defends-meeting-with-sarath-weerasekara ### 2026-10-17: Balangoda Kassapa Thero leaves hospital after Viharamahadevi Park protest Buddhist monk Balangoda Kassapa Thero has left a Colombo hospital after a protest injury. Police deny assault claims, stating the monk slipped and fell during the Viharamahadevi Park demonstration. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balangoda-kassapa-thero-leaves-hospital-after-viharamahadevi-park-protest --- Cite as: Protest and controversy involving Balangoda Kassapa Thero. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/protest-and-controversy-involving-balangoda-kassapa-thero