Negombo Additional Magistrate Milan Jayasuriya on Saturday ordered that Ekala Sugathasiri Thera arrested in connection with the alleged murder of the chief incumbent of the Seeduwa Nandarama temple Ven.Mahanama Thera be remanded till September 23.
Sugathasiri Thera too was staying at the Nandarama temple in Seeduwa.
Chief Incumbent of the Nandarama Temple in Wettewa, Seeduwa was found murdered at his abode recently.
Villagers had inquired as a bad odour was emanating from the direction of temple premises.The villagers on suspicion had informed the police as the abode had been locked.
When police broke open the door, the body of the monk covered with a robe had been found. His face had been wrapped with a cloth and the police believe that the monk had been killed by strangulation.
An 18 year old monk had also been staying at the temple and he has been seen at the temple premises on Tuesday. However this monk in question had not been seen at the temple later. Police had noticed that the monk had left the temple carrying his personal belongings too.
Villagers had informed police that there was a dispute between the two monks over the ownership of the temple. Both monks had made complaints to the police regarding this dispute from time to time.
Monday, September 19, 2022 – 01:00