Stay order on Prelate’s cremation at the temple premises

Mulaitivu Additional Magistrate N. Sudaharan yesterday issued an interim order staying the cremation ceremony of the Nayaru Gurukanda Rajamaha Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven. Kolamba Medhalankarakitthi Thera at the temple premises.

The members of the Dayaka Sabha and the resident monks were asked to attend court this morning.

The interim order was given after the Mulaitivu police submitted a report to the court on a complaint lodged by the board of trustees of the Mulaitivu Nayaru Niravpuleyar Kovil and the Tamil residents of the area opposing the taking of the chief incumbent Thera’s body to the Temple considering the possible breach of the peace.

The Court directed the police to take all measures to maintain peace in the temple and kovil premise.

Medhalankarakitthi Thera had passed away on Friday while being treated at the Colombo Apeksha Hospital

Gurukanda Viharaya Dayaka Sabha Secretary Manel Karunaratna said the court order was received yesterday after the Nayaka Thera’s body was brought to the temple and Dayaka Sabha had arranged to hold the cremation ceremony today at the Gurukanda temple premisses.

Meanwhile, the police had strengthened security in the area. (Romesh Madushanka and Situm Chathuranga)