Missing young novice monks found safe in Passara

By Prasad Rukmal

Colombo, July 02 (Daily Mirror)-  Two young novice monks who were reported missing from the Sri Bodhirukkharama Pirivena Viharaya in Millabedda, Passara, have been found safe, police said.

According to Passara Police, the two novice monks, aged 13 and 16, were located early Thursday morning in the 28 post area along the Lunugala–Bibila Road.

The pair, who are from Galporuyaya in Girandurukotte and Akiriya in Passara, had been residing at the Sri Bodhirukkharama Pirivena Viharaya.

Police said the temple's chief incumbent had left for the Galhidagama Temple in Madolsima on Wednesday evening to attend a religious ceremony. When he returned to the temple at around 9.30 p.m, he discovered that the two novice monks were missing. After searching the surrounding area without success, he lodged a complaint with the Passara Police later that night.

Meanwhile, officers attached to the Lunugala Police, who were on patrol during the early hours of Thursday, spotted two boys dressed in civilian clothing walking along the Lunugala–Bibila Road in the 28 post area. Upon questioning them, police confirmed that they were the missing novice monks.

Further investigations are being conducted by Passara Police under the supervision of Officer-in-Charge Chief Inspector Ratnasiri Bandara, on the instructions of senior police officers in the Uva Province.