The Mahamewnawa Asapuwa yesterday claimed its innocence in the dispute regarding the Seruwila Mangala Maha Viharaya, saying that it wishes to remain out of the issue.

Speaking to the media at the Kaduwela Mahamewna Asapuwa, Aludeniye Subodhi Thera said that the Mahamewna Asapuwa was involved in activities in the temple at the request of the late Seruwila Saranakitti Thera.

Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera, the founder of the Mahamewnawa Asapuwa, was a student of Saranakitti Thera.

Subodhi Thera also told media that the Mahamewnawa monks were in no way involved in the clash which broke out at the funeral of the late Saranakitti Thera.

The dispute has broken out regarding the replacement for the Chief Incumbent position of Seruwila temple, following the demise of Saranakitti Thera.