A 21-year-old Sinhalese man from Ibbagamuwa, who allegedly posed as a Muslim while sending WhatsApp messages threatening attacks on several prominent Buddhist religious sites in Sri Lanka, has been remanded until 10 October.
The suspect was arrested following an investigation into WhatsApp messages allegedly threatening attacks on the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Thuparamaya and the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly pretended to be a Muslim when circulating the threatening messages.
During a search conducted following his arrest, investigators reportedly recovered several manipulated images depicting the Buddha from his mobile phone.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by the Chief Incumbent of the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, Ven. Dr. Danigama Ananda Thera.
Investigating officers said the messages had raised national security concerns. However, the suspect reportedly claimed that he had circulated the material purely for entertainment purposes.
The suspect was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (2), which ordered that he be remanded until 10 October.
