CCD questions Ulapane Thero for interpreting a fall as a 'police assault'.

The Colombo District Crime Division has launched a comprehensive investigation into a controversial statement made to the media and social media, alleging that the police assaulted Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero during a protest held at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, demanding the immediate release of Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence for contempt of court.

In connection with this investigation, a lengthy statement was recorded this afternoon (19) from Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero, who made the relevant statement, by officers of the Colombo District Crime Division. It is reported that police officers visited Dudley Senanayake College in Narahenpita, where he serves, and recorded the statement for approximately three to four hours.

These investigations are underway after the Inspector General of Police instructed the Colombo District Crime Division to immediately investigate and report whether such an assault actually occurred. However, the police emphasize that no official complaint has been lodged at any police station to date regarding the alleged assault on Balangoda Kassapa Thero by the police.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara, Director of the Colombo National Hospital, revealed several crucial facts regarding the hospitalization of Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, who is said to have been assaulted. The Director stated that Kassapa Thero arrived at the accident and emergency unit of the Sri Lanka National Hospital for treatment around 8:30 PM on the day before yesterday (17), and informed the doctors there that he had sustained a blow to his head.

According to the hospital director, doctors examined him regarding the reason for his visit and conducted an ultrasound scan and blood tests. Based on these tests, it was observed at that time that there were no problematic issues or abnormalities in his health condition.

Nevertheless, since he stated that he had sustained a blow to the head, doctors suggested to Kassapa Thero that he be admitted to the emergency ward and kept in an observation ward for a full examination and monitoring. However, Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara further confirmed that Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, stating that he did not require further treatment, left the hospital approximately an hour after his arrival, around 9:30 PM that night.