The individual claiming to be 'Vishwa Buddha,' adorned in saffron robes, has been ordered to remain in custody until February 2, 2024.
This directive was issued during his appearance before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court in connection with another pending case.
The suspect, previously out on bail, was re-arrested on January 23 by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for violating bail conditions and was presented before the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court. Subsequently, he was brought before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court following the orders of the Gangodawila Magistrate.
The monk was initially arrested on December 12 at a private establishment in Kalagedihena by the CID's cybercrimes unit, responding to a complaint against the self-styled monk residing in Ratnapura.
Allegedly, he made statements that were deemed demeaning to Buddhism. The Sangha Sabha Committee of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya recently unanimously decided to expel the controversial monk, Ven. Ratnapure Wimalabuddha, over these allegations. The 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, in January.
