Ven. Balangoda Kassapa and two other monks, who had been staging a satyagraha near the Ruwanweliseya, in Anuradhapura, began a fast unto death at the site yesterday morning.
They launched the hunger strike demanding the withdrawal of the proposed draft Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan and fulfilment of a pledge reportedly given by the Mahanayake Theras to secure the release of Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara.
The satyagraha, launched by Ven. Balangoda Kassapa, other monks and laypersons at the dansal premises near the Ruwanweliseya, on Saturday, November 07, in protest against the proposed development plan, entered its fifth day yesterday. A procession was also organised near the site.
The monks began their fast against the backdrop of an order issued by the Anuradhapura Magistrate on Saturday directing them to vacate the premises immediately.
The fast also began while Ven. Kassapa had been asked to appear before the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) to make a statement.
He had been summoned in connection with an investigation into a media statement he had made alleging that he had been assaulted during the recent satyagraha at Viharamahadevi Park, held to demand a presidential pardon for Ven. Gnanasara.
Addressing the media, before commencing the fast, Ven. Balangoda Kassapa said:
“After taking alms before noon yesterday,
I and the other monks have not consumed any solid food up to now. From this moment onwards, we will not drink even a drop of water. We therefore ask the public not to offer us even a bottle of water. We will completely abstain from food and drinks, including herbal drinks, subject to two conditions.
“We left Viharamahadevi Park at the request of the four Mahanayake Theras. That did not mean that our campaign to secure the release of Ven. Gnanasara had ended. Our first condition is that Ven. Gnanasara must be released in accordance with the assurances given to us by the four Mahanayake Theras.”
