Security detail of Kirivehera Chief Incumbent withdrawn ?

By M.K. Nandasena

Two police officers who had been assigned to provide security for Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Kataragama Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Prelate of the Ruhunu Magampattuwa, have been withdrawn from their duties and reassigned to the upper and lower terraces of the temple premises, sources said.  

They said that two Special Task Force (STF) officers who were also part of the Chief Incumbent’s security team have been recalled to the Kavantissapura camp.  

When contacted, Kataragama Police OIC Chief Inspector G.P.S. Ishan confirmed that while the STF security detail had been withdrawn, the regular police protection for Ven. Dhamminda Thera remains unchanged.  

Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera has been provided with continuous police and STF protection for over seven years, following a shooting incident targeting him several years ago.