Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero has stated that he was suffering from a severe fever of around 102°F while participating in a march from Kandy to Colombo, prompting supporters to take him to a hotel to receive medical treatment.
The Thero explained that he had covered his head with a shawl offered by a female devotee during the journey. He also denied social media reports claiming that he had stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel, clarifying that he had been taken to the Kingsbury Hotel instead.
According to the Thero, several monks fell ill after the march reached Colombo and received medical treatment at hospitals and other locations. He said he had initially declined accommodation offered by various devotees. However, as his condition worsened, supporters insisted on taking him to the hotel, warning that exposure to the wind could further aggravate his illness. He added that he might not have survived had he not received treatment.
The Thero further stated that a separate medical team had visited his hotel room to provide treatment, with the associated expenses covered collectively by a group of devotees.
He also confirmed that Parliamentarian Sarath Weerasekara had visited him to inquire about his health, adding that no permission was required to visit an ailing monk.
Meanwhile, Ven. Kassapa Thero criticised the hotel management for allegedly releasing internal security camera footage, the personal details of the individual who booked the room, and photographs of food bills to the media. He said the disclosure had seriously violated his privacy and vowed to take legal action against those responsible.
He also warned the public to think carefully before choosing hotels that disclose sensitive customer information, arguing that such revelations could put individuals’ safety at risk. Referring to past attempts to assassinate underworld figures during court proceedings, he stressed the potential dangers of exposing confidential personal data.
The Thero also drew parallels with the time of the Buddha, noting that the Buddha had stayed in various settings, including under trees and in royal palaces, and had worn fine robes on certain occasions. He argued that people should focus on the Dhamma rather than external appearances.
Finally, Ven. Kassapa Thero said that the responsibility for securing the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero had now been taken up by the Mahanayake Theros. He stated that his next campaign would begin at the grassroots level and be directed against the ruling administration, while calling on the public to join the effort.
