Tense situation as police attempt to remove canopy erected outside Presidential Secretariat

A tense situation has unfolded outside the Presidential Secretariat as the police proceeded to remove a canopy erected by protesting Buddhist monks, triggering a confrontation between the Maha Sangha and the police officers.

However, following a police order to remove the canopy, the protesters moved it to the side of the road.

The “Nidhase Paada Yaathraa” march, led by members of the Maha Sangha demanding the release of imprisoned Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, reached the vicinity of the Presidential Secretariat this evening (15).

During the discussions, an official at the Presidential Secretariat informed the monks that a decision regarding their demand would be made within one month.

However, the monks insisted on receiving an official statement from the Presidential Secretary specifying a definite date for the decision. They also stated that they would remain at the site until such confirmation was provided.