A Sri Lankan magistrate has issued a notice ordering Balangoda Kassapa to appear in court before 10 December, after the Sinhala Buddhist monk allegedly refused to provide a statement to police regarding the illegal placing of Buddha statue in Trincomalee last week.
Trincomalee Harbour Police OIC, Chief Inspector K. D. G. S. K. Samarasinghe, presented a B-report to court outlining the events of 16 November. According to the report, officers had attempted to record a statement from the monk while he was hospitalised, having received medical approval to proceed. The monk had admitted himself to hospital, after presenting with a reported injury, as police tried to stop the monks from installing the statue. Video footage shows at least one monk slapping a police office.
In hospital however, the monk refused to give a statement, which police told the court constitutes an offence under the law.
Police further informed the Magistrate that cooperating with investigations is a responsibility required of all citizens. They argued that refusing to assist in an inquiry of this nature, particularly one they claimed carried the potential to “disturb national harmony”, posed a significant concern. Officers therefore sought a court directive compelling the monk to appear in person.
The Magistrate issued the notice accordingly, requiring Balangoda Kassapa to present himself before the court by 10 December.
Police reiterated that the monk had declined to cooperate despite receiving medical clearance, a refusal they described as a legal offence.