The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court today (January 14) ordered the remand of Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero and several others until January 19, 2026, in connection with an incident involving the placement of a Buddha statue.
The case relates to the alleged unauthorized construction of a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Vihara. The Coast Conservation Department has filed a complaint stating that the statue was erected in violation of coastal conservation laws.
According to reports, the statue was initially placed on November 16, 2025. When authorities later attempted to remove the structure, the situation reportedly escalated, leading to a tense confrontation between police officers, Buddhist monks, and local residents who opposed the removal.
Following an inquiry into the incident, the Magistrate’s Court ordered the remand of four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, along with five other individuals allegedly involved in the dispute.
