Morning alms at Viharamahadevi Park (Photos)

The Satyagraha launched by a group of Buddhist monks, centered around Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, has completed six days as of today (21st). Their sole demand is for the release of Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero.

This protest Satyagraha did not begin suddenly. Previously, this group of monks, who had gathered in front of the Presidential Secretariat, later proceeded to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana. Although they engaged in a discussion with the Ministry Secretary there, they stated that they did not receive the expected solution. The Satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park commenced because the anticipated results from that discussion were not achieved.

Accordingly, this Satyagraha commenced in the park premises on the afternoon of the 16th. On that day, as the monks attempted to erect a temporary structure there, a tense situation also arose between the police and them.

However, the monks engaged in this Satyagraha, which has been continuously active for six days, emphasize that they will not leave the location for any reason until Venerable Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero is released. The monks are residing there, having set up tents, and photographs show several lay devotees arriving to offer morning alms.