Kassapa Thero's Sak Pimba Daham Prasad passed the drug test and was remanded

Despite a court order to vacate the sacred areas including Ruwanwelisaya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Satyagraha launched against the Anuradhapura Sacred City plan is still ongoing today (09) for the third consecutive day. However, a different story has now emerged regarding the person who was arrested during this protest for 'blowing the conch' for the Satyagraha.

Police say that a drug test has confirmed he had used heroin and cannabis.

Baladora Rankiriyalage Prasad Susantha Jayasiri, also known as Daham Prasad. This person who blew the conch is a resident of Malwala, Ratnapura, and information has been published that he distributed drugs in the Godigamuwa, Depot Junction area of Ratnapura. Criticisms have emerged that he is someone attempting to gain advantages by associating with these protests due to difficulties in carrying out his activities under the current government. 

It was reported that he had previously been arrested with heroin by the Borella Police Station on 2025.03.22, and on another occasion, Ratnapura Police had apprehended him with 'ice' (crystal methamphetamine).

After it was confirmed that the suspect arrested last Saturday had heroin and cannabis in his blood, he was produced before the court and remanded until the 19th of next month. Police investigations are currently underway to arrest two other individuals who fled the scene during the heated situation.

Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, along with other Maha Sangha and laypersons, commenced this Satyagraha around 9:00 AM on the morning of the 7th, after engaging in religious observances at the Ruwanwelisaya premises. This was done by erecting a temporary structure (attalaya) on the alms-giving ground in front of the sacred site. Although the police had previously warned against temporary constructions at the location, the protest began disregarding these instructions. Surangi Ratnayake, a former Anuradhapura Municipal Councilor, and Uditha Nishantha, a resident of Dahaiyagama, along with others, also joined in support.

However, the situation became heated when a mobile ice cream vendor at the Satyagraha site protested. The argument escalated when laypersons, including Uditha Nishantha, intervened in response to the vendor's protest. Police officers also intervened, and a severe unrest erupted between the police and the Maha Sangha when attempting to arrest the lay individuals.

During this chaotic situation, the individual who was blowing the conch was arrested by the Anuradhapura Police. Amidst the heated situation as the police jeep carrying him left the scene, Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero fell to the ground, sustaining minor injuries along with several other monks. Sub-Inspector P.W.N. Vithana, 48, attached to the Anuradhapura Headquarters Police, and Police Constable Senavirathne (107320), 23, who were injured in the incident, were admitted to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

Following this incident, a team of officers including Anuradhapura Senior Superintendent of Police Prasanna Brahmanage and Anuradhapura Headquarters Police Station OIC Chief Inspector Rukmal Ratnayake, arrived at the scene under the instructions of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the North Central Province, Tilak C. Dhanapala. It was also reported that Samagi Jana Balawegaya Member of Parliament Rohana Bandara arrived at the location at that time.

The monks, claiming damage to their temporary structure (attalaya), continue their Satyagraha at the site for the third consecutive day, disregarding the court order to vacate the sacred area.