The Sinhala Organizations Unity (Sinhala Sanwidhana Ekamuthuwa) has raised alarm over the deteriorating health of several Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who are currently in remand custody, claiming they have fallen critically ill due to a viral influenza outbreak spreading within the prison hospital.

The suspects face allegations related to the unauthorized placement of a Buddha statue within a coastal zone, which violates coastal conservation laws.

The case stems from an incident on 16 November 2025, when authorities attempted to remove the statue, leading to unrest at the temple. The Coast Conservation Department had lodged a complaint, stating that the construction of the statue had not received the necessary approvals.

A youth representative of the collective, speaking to the media, said the monks were in a severe physical condition and experiencing significant difficulty even carrying out basic movements. He noted that they were barely able to walk and that their speech no longer carried the vitality previously observed.

The representative said he was deeply distressed after visiting the monks, adding that their condition would deeply unsettle the conscience of any Sinhala Buddhist. “Seeing them in such a weakened and helpless state was profoundly painful. They are clearly suffering from serious illness,” he said.

Sinhala Organizations Unity stressed that the responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of the detained monks — including four monks currently reported to be ill — lies with the Government, prison authorities, and all relevant officials.

“It is deeply regrettable that an infectious disease is spreading within a prison environment. Why should Buddhist monks be subjected to such conditions? The authorities must intervene immediately and take responsibility,” the representative said.

He further stated that the organisation is praying for the swift recovery of Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and the other ailing monks, expressing hope that they will soon regain their health under proper medical care.