The saffron-robed person claiming to be ‘Vishwa Buddha’ has been ordered to be further remanded in custody until 16 February, 2024.

This order was issued when he was produced before the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court in Nugegoda, Ada Derana reporter said.

The suspect, who was out on bail, was re-arrested on 23 January 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.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court, advising the suspect, had ordered him not to breach his bail conditions, however, he was further kept in remand custody over another pending case being heard before the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile on 26 January, Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris told the court that the suspect has been referred for psychiatric treatment on the recommendation of the Judicial Medical Officer.

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

Earlier, the monk was arrested on 12 December 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.

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.