Officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) have recorded a statement lasting approximately four hours from Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero over allegations that police assaulted Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo.

The statement was recorded at Dudley Senanayake Vidyalaya in Narahenpita, where Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thero serves.The investigation follows allegations circulated in mainstream and social media that police officers assaulted Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero 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, stating that Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero slipped and fell on a concrete step during a confrontation after officers intervened over the use of a loudspeaker and the erection of a temporary shelter at the park.He was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment and was subsequently discharged.Police have also stated that no formal complaint regarding the alleged assault had been lodged at a police station at the time of the investigation.