Police deny withdrawal of security for Kirivehera Chief Incumbent

24 October 2025 03:22 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

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Colombo, Oct. 24 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Police today rejected media reports claiming that security assigned to Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thero, Chief Incumbent of Kataragama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Prelate of Ruhunu Magampattuwa, had been withdrawn.

Police said that the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Matara and Hambantota Districts submitted a report clarifying the matter.

According to the DIG, the Kataragama Maha Devalaya premises—including the Ashtapala Bodhi Tree, the Kataragama Kirivehera, and other Devalayas—have 16 police officers and a Civil Defence Security officer providing 24-hour protection. Out of 17 officers assigned to the Devalaya post since 2018, two are specifically deployed to safeguard the Chief Incumbent around the clock.

An army detachment stationed within the temple premises also contributes to the protection of Ven. Dhamminda Thero.

The DIGs of Matara and Hambantota said that claims circulating on social media and in other media outlets regarding the removal of security at the sacred site are entirely false.

Comments - 5

Sokrates Friday, 24 October 2025 04:05 PM

Why does a man who is destined to spread a peace-loving philosophy need to be protected? That is completely absurd. Or could it be that this man in orange is not so peace-loving after all and interferes in matters that are none of his business?

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R Navaratnam Friday, 24 October 2025 04:55 PM

What a waste of taxpayers money. Very bad.

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Cassie Friday, 24 October 2025 04:57 PM

Why on earth does a monk need tax payer funded security in the first place? Is there a threat to his life or is it some prestige to have personal police protection?

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yogi Thuraisingham Saturday, 25 October 2025 12:59 AM

This has been the practice by former governments to solicit votes, showing the masses that they care for the well being of the mahanayakes. The Present govt. should look into this.

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Pam Wednesday, 29 October 2025 04:28 AM

This is strange, if he had been a stooge of the old order he must be fearing for his life. I suppose AKD has bigger issues to grapple with and does not want to add to his woes by removing his security. Country like no other

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