The controvercial saffron-robed monk who identifies himself as ‘Vishwa Buddha' and faced re-arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for allegedly making derogatory statements about Buddhism, has now been formally expelled from the monkhood.
This decision was conveyed to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs by the Chief Prelate (Mahanayaka Thero) of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimalabhidhana Thero.
The unanimous decision of the Sangha Sabha Committee of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya was reached on December 15, 2023.
Consequently, both the 'Samanera' and 'Upasampada' ordination documents of Ratnapure Wimalabuddha Thero will be rendered invalid, along with the relevant pronouncement. The Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, in a statement, declared that the expulsion was prompted by the considerable harm and degradation caused to the Buddha Sasana by the said monk.
Meanwhile, the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court ordered the monk to be remanded until January 26.
The suspect, who was out on bail, was re-arrested this morning (21) by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
