Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, along with five other individuals, have been remanded until 19 January by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court in connection with a dispute at a temple site in the area.

The incident occurred on 16 November last year when tension arose after an attempt was made to remove a Buddha statue that had been placed at the Trincomalee temple premises.

The Coast Conservation Department had lodged a complaint with the police alleging that constructions at the site were unauthorized. Police said that during the attempt to remove the statue, strong protests were staged by the monks and residents.

Following legal proceedings before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court, the nine suspects were ordered to be remanded until 19 January.