The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) recorded a statement lasting about four hours from Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero on Monday over allegations that police assaulted Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero in Colombo.
The statement was taken at Dudley Senanayake Vidyalaya in Narahenpita, where Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero serves.
The investigation follows allegations in mainstream and social media that police officers assaulted Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero at Viharamahadevi Park. The incident took place during a protest demanding the release of Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who is serving a prison sentence for contempt of court.
Police have denied the assault allegations. They said Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero slipped and fell on a concrete step during a confrontation that began when officers intervened over the use of a loudspeaker and the erection of a temporary shelter in the park.
He was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment and was later discharged, according to police. Police also said that no formal complaint about the alleged assault had been lodged at a police station at the time of the investigation.
Background
Viharamahadevi Park is a large public park in the centre of Colombo that is often used for gatherings. Protests and public events held there can require permission from the authorities, and police have powers to intervene where they believe rules on public gatherings or noise are being broken.
The CCD is the unit of the Sri Lanka Police that handles investigations in the Colombo area. It records statements from people who may have information on an incident and can pass its findings to the Attorney General’s Department when it believes an offence may have been committed.
What it means
The two accounts of what happened at the park differ. The allegations say police assaulted the monk, while police say he fell during a confrontation. The statements recorded by the CCD are part of the process that will establish which account the evidence supports.
Members of the public who believe they have suffered ill-treatment at the hands of police officers can complain to the police, to the National Police Commission or to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and these bodies can inquire into complaints even where the matter has also been reported in the media.
