Public Security Minister Tiran Alas has issued a directive for the immediate arrest of individuals involved in the assault of a monk and two women. The incident came to light through a video circulating on social media, showing two partially naked women and a shirtless monk inside a room, where they were subjected to physical violence by members of the Donor Council.
Reports suggest that the Donor Council group stripped and attacked the half-naked women before handing them over to the police. Furthermore, the perpetrators recorded the incident and shared it on social media platforms. Minister Tiran Alas took action yesterday (07), instructing the Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, Deshabandhu Tennakoon, and the Navagamuwa Police Station Commander to promptly arrest the individuals responsible for the assault and enforce the law.
In response to the incident, the Navagamuwa Preservation Organization issued a statement clarifying that the incident did not occur at the Navagamuwa Sri Sugatabimbarama Purana Viharam with the Pattini temple. Chandrasena Palihena, Co-Chairman of the Nawagamuwa Preservation Organization and Co-Chairman of the Viharastha Donor Council, confirmed that the incident took place in a temple within the jurisdiction of the Navagamuwa police but is unrelated to the Navagamuwa Viharaya.
According to the police, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident that unfolded at a temple located in the Upper Bomiriya area of the Navagamuwa police domain. One suspect was apprehended yesterday (07) night, while the remaining seven surrendered to the Navagamuwa Police Station today (08). They are facing charges of assault, sexual harassment, and other related offenses.
The video footage associated with the incident has been circulated on social media, and investigations are ongoing.
