Police Record Statement From Ulapane Sumangala Thero

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Crime Division has launched an investigation into claims circulated through the media and social media alleging that Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero was assaulted by police during a protest demanding the immediate release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who is currently serving a prison sentence for contempt of court.

As part of the investigation, a statement was recorded on Monday from Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero by officers of the Colombo Crime Division.

Police said that, thus far, no complaint alleging that Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero was assaulted by police has been lodged with any police station.

According to police, the Inspector General of Police has instructed the Colombo Crime Division to conduct an immediate investigation into the allegations made through the media and social media and determine whether any assault by police officers had in fact taken place.

Police officers visited the school where Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero serves and recorded a statement from him for nearly three hours as part of the inquiry.