Two rival factions of custodians of Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devale on 30 June clashed over cash and jewellery collections from devotees, aruna.lk reports.
With the Esala festival in Kataragama now underway, differences have emerged between the Ratnayake and Arapakshe factions.
Upul Ratnayake complained to police that Gayan Arapakshe assaulted him and got himself admitted to hospital.
Arapakshe, arrested and produced before courts, was released on a Rs. 500,000 surety on the following day.
Basnayake Nilame Dilshan Gunasekara said this dispute happens during the festive season over the offerings by devotees with an estimated value of around Rs. 70 million.
He said the Army has been asked to assist the police in maintaining law and order during the festivities.
Gunasekara urged devotees to consider if they should offer cash for custodians to fight over.
State officials say instead, they could make donations to the cancer hospital and to schoolchildren in need.
