Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero and six others who were staging a fast-unto-death protest in the Anuradhapura Sacred City have been remanded until November 26 by the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court.

The court issued the order over allegations that the suspects had defied previous court orders while continuing their protest at the sacred site.

The Magistrate also ordered that all seven suspects undergo psychiatric evaluations and tests to determine whether they had used drugs.

The protest, held near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya, was launched in opposition to the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan and to demand the release of Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero.

Tensions escalated on Thursday (12) when a group led by Rajanganaye Saddharathana thera arrived at the protest site, resulting in a confrontation between the two groups.

Saddharathana thera sustained head injuries during the clash and was admitted to hospital.

Police subsequently intervened and took several individuals, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, into custody.

The remand order and medical examination directives were issued when the suspects were produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)