Police said the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for Matara and Hambantota Districts submitted a report clarifying the situation.
According to the DIG, the Kataragama Maha Devalaya premises—including the Ashtapala Bodhi Tree, Kataragama Kirivehera, and other Devalayas—are protected by 16 police officers and a Civil Defence Security officer on a 24-hour basis. Of the 17 officers assigned to the Devalaya post since 2018, two are specifically deployed to provide round-the-clock protection to the Chief Incumbent.
An army detachment stationed within the temple grounds also assists in safeguarding Ven. Dhamminda Thero.
