The saffron robed person claiming to be ‘Vishwa Buddha’ has been ordered to be further remanded in custody until 02 February, 2024.

This order was issued when he was produced before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court over another pending case, Ada Derana reporter said.

The suspect, who was out on bail, was re-arrested on January 23 by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over breach of bail conditions and was presented before the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court. However, later he was presented before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court as per the orders of the Gangodawila Magistrate.

Earlier, the monk was arrested on December 12 at a private establishment in Kalagedihena by the cybercrimes unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on a complaint received against the self-styled monk who was residing in Ratnapura.

According to police, the saffron-robed monk had allegedly issued statements demeaning Buddhism.

Meanwhile, the Sangha Sabha Committee of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya recently unanimously decided to expel the controversial monk Ven. Ratnapure Wimalabuddha over allegedly issuing statements demeaning Buddhism.

In January, this decision was communicated to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs by the Chief Prelate (Mahanayaka Thero) of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimalabhidhana Thero.