Business · Sri Lanka Bureau
Bank officer remanded for allegedly sheltering controversial monk
A bank officer has been remanded in custody on suspicion of helping Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera evade arrest. The Colombo Chief Magistrate extended the suspect's detention following his court appearance.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Damith Anjana Wanigasekara, identified as a bank officer, was remanded by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama on Tuesday, with orders to remain in custody until October 9. The suspect faces allegations of aiding and abetting the senior Buddhist monk to avoid arrest.
Authorities have been investigating the circumstances surrounding Gnanasara Thera's apparent disappearance from public view. The General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena, a nationalist Buddhist organization, is understood to be the subject of active law enforcement interest.
The remand order indicates investigative authorities believe Wanigasekara may have provided material assistance to help the monk remain in hiding. The case reflects ongoing scrutiny of high-profile religious and community figures in recent weeks.
The suspect is expected to be produced before the magistrate again on the scheduled remand date. Further details regarding the nature of the allegations and evidence against Wanigasekara have not been disclosed.