Rajangana Saddharathna Thera warned to refrain from using obscene language

By T. Farook Thajudeen

The Fort Magistrate today issued a warning to Rajangana Saddharathna Thera, instructing him to refrain from using obscene and indecent language in his public speeches.

Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura issued this order after observing that the thera, despite being granted bail with the condition that he avoided such language, had continued to make speeches containing inappropriate remarks.

President's Counsel Anura Maddagoda, representing the aggrieved party along with the CID, pointed out that the thera had been disrobed by the Ramangna Nikaya, to which he previously belonged to. However, the thera continues to wear religious robes without the consent of the Nikaya.

The magistrate noted that the thera had violated the conditions of his bail and should be remanded for this breach. However, the magistrate strictly warned him to refrain from using obscene language and released him on the original bail terms.

Ven. Rajangana Saddharathna Thera had been arrested earlier for making statements that could disrupt religious harmony. He was remanded in custody but later granted bail.

The CID had arrested Saddharathna Thera following a complaint filed by Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thera, who accused Saddharathna Thera of making remarks that were prejudicial to societal and religious harmony in the country.