The Trincomalee Magistrate, M.N.M. Samsudeen, has issued a notice ordering Balangoda Kassapa Thera to appear before court before 10 December, after the Thera reportedly refused to provide a statement to the police regarding an incident at a property belonging to the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya, located along the Trincomalee–Fort Road.
Presenting a B-report to court, Trincomalee Harbour Police OIC, Chief Inspector K.D.G.S.K. Samarasinghe, stated that the incident occurred on 16 November, when officers attempted to record a statement from Balangoda Kassapa Thera, who was hospitalised at the time with medical approval for the procedure. However, the Thera had declined to make a statement, which the OIC noted is an offence punishable under the law.
The police further informed court that cooperating with investigations is a duty of all citizens, and that failing to assist in an inquiry of this nature—one that has the potential to disturb national harmony—posed a serious concern. Accordingly, police sought a court order requiring the Thera to appear in person, leading to the Magistrate issuing the notice.
