vThe Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy has issued a special statement refuting a misleading news report that claimed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa requested the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter to intervene on behalf of his wife, Shiranthi Rajapaksa.

The article in question was published under the sensational headline: “Tell Anura not to arrest Shiranthi… Mahinda requests Malwathu Chief Prelate.”

Clarifying the matter, Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya, Venerable Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, said the statement was issued on the directive of the Chief Prelate himself.

He firmly denied any such meeting or telephone conversation having taken place, as alleged in the report.

The temple further warned that legal action will be taken against individuals and organisations responsible for creating and spreading false information intended to provoke public unrest.