Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara told Asian Mirror that the police Special Task Force was called to the vicinity of Homagama Magistrate's Court to control the tense situation at the court premises.

A group of Buddhist monks started protesting against the decision to remand Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera till Februaru 9 on three charges including threatening a state official.

Some monks reportedly threatened to self-immolate as the protest went on. However Gunasekara rejected these reports.

He also added that the situation was now under control.