10 including Kassapa Thera brought before courts

2026-01-28 - 05:14

Ten suspects, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera and 04 monks, who are currently in remand custody in connection with the Trincomalee Buddha statue incident, have been brought to the court today (Jan. 28). The Trincomalee Magistrate had previously ordered on Jan. 19 that the 10 suspects remain in remand until today, following the Attorney General and Trinco Harbour Police’s refusal to withdraw charges under the Coast Conservation Act. The case arose from a complaint by the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management regarding an unauthorized structure built in a coastal protected area of Trincomalee town, where a Buddha statue had been placed. The case was recalled in the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court on Jan. 14. Of the 11 suspects named, 09 were produced before the court that day, including Chief Incumbent of the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee – Ven. Kalyanawansa Tissa Thera, Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, Ven. Trincomalee Sukhithawansa Tissa Thero and Ven. Nanda Thero. The Trincomalee Police charged the suspects with violations under the Coast Conservation Act and for unauthorized construction. After reviewing facts, the Magistrate ordered the suspects to remain in remand until today. During remand, Ven. Kassapa Thera began a hunger strike, which was temporarily suspended later. Related News: Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera ends hunger strike Trinco Buddha statue case : 9 including 4 monks remanded