Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, who is engaged in a continuous Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) at Viharamahadevi Park, demanding the unconditional release of Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, issued a strong warning to a group claiming to be representatives of the Municipal Council who came to disrupt his protest. He emphasized that this continuous Satyagraha cannot be stopped by any influence or thuggery.
Venerable Kassapa Thero stated that a group claiming to be representatives of the Colombo Mayor and the Municipal Commissioner arrived at the location while monks and civilians were resting. However, when lawyers and civil activists participating in the Satyagraha requested them to confirm their identity, they failed to do so. Therefore, he accused the group of being thugs sent to disrupt the Satyagraha. He further mentioned that his group had previously succeeded in peacefully thwarting every attempt to create such violent situations.
Venerable Kassapa Thero stated that no one has the right to remove the banners and posters displayed at the Satyagraha site, pointing to the legal protection provided by Article 9 of the Constitution. He reminded that the Republic of Sri Lanka must give Buddhism the foremost place, and it is the government's responsibility to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana (Buddhist dispensation). He emphasized that since monastic activities such as sewing robes and dyeing them are carried out within the Satyagraha site, the Municipal Council, a government institution, cannot obstruct them, and if they act in violation of the Constitution, legal action will be taken against them.
This group, advocating for the release of Venerable Gnanasara Thero, severely criticizes the actions of the current government. Venerable Kassapa Thero accused the government, which is unable to repay foreign debts, of imprisoning Venerable Gnanasara Thero to appease the Tamil diaspora and Islamic extremists. He also alleged that due to a lack of funds to sustain the country's future, the government is preparing to sign agreements with India, thereby fragmenting and selling off parts of the country. He further criticized the government for remaining silent in the face of certain activities occurring around sacred sites like Ruwanwelisaya and the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Stating that this struggle is an act to protect the Sasana, Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero informed the authorities that if the Municipal Council requires payment for posters and cutouts, it would not be a problem for him. He gave a strong response to the authorities, stating that if the government, which is in a crisis due to its inability to repay foreign debts, wishes, he is prepared to pay those funds through local and foreign supporters.
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