The psychiatrist who assessed the mental health of Mahinda Kodithuwakku, the self-proclaimed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, has recommended additional treatment at the National Institute of Mental Health in Angoda. In response, Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage has ordered the suspect to be remanded until February 7.
Mahinda Kodithuwakku was taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on charges of allegedly insulting Buddhism and offending religious sentiments.
Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Pieris, representing the Attorney General, requested the court to extend the suspect's remand, citing the necessity for further medical intervention due to his unstable mental condition.
President's Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, representing the suspect, argued that there are no grounds to deny bail under section 14 of the Bail Act. He proposed that the court release his client on bail under any conditions it deems appropriate. However, the Magistrate, taking into consideration the incapacity of the suspect's father to care for him during mental health treatment, decided to remand the suspect until February 7.
