Police Media spokesperson ASP Ruwan Gunasekara told Asian Mirror that legal action will be taken against several Buddhist monks including Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera for allegedly violating election laws and obstructing the police.

 

The alleged incident occurred on Saturday (8) evening at Andawela in Welipanna Police Division. According to Police, permission was sought and granted for a meeting of the Bodu Jana Peramuna in the area on that evening. However, the meeting had shifted to the nearby temple. This is a clear violation of election laws, ASP Gunasekara said.

 

The police had opposed this and a debate ensued. In the meantime, Galagodaatte Gnanasara Thera had arrived at the scene and had scolded the police. A video released on the internet had apparently captured the incident.

 

Police today informed Matugama Magistrate of this incident and sought notice to be issued for the individuals allegedly involved in the incident. The Magistrate informed that there was sufficient reason for even an arrest, Gunasekara said.

 

The Magistrate would be taking up the inquiry pertaining to the incident on August 25, Gunasekara further said.