February 02, Colombo (LNW): The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court has ordered that four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, along with six other individuals, remain in remand custody until February 09, 2026.
The group was produced before court in connection with the alleged installation of a Buddha statue within a designated coastal zone in Trincomalee without the necessary legal clearance. Authorities contend that the placement violated regulations enforced under coastal conservation laws.
The matter traces back to an incident on November 16 last year, when tensions reportedly escalated after officials moved to remove the statue from the site. According to police, the Coast Conservation Department had previously raised objections, maintaining that the structure had been erected without formal approval from the relevant authorities.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the construction and subsequent unrest are continuing, while the court has directed that the suspects be held pending further proceedings.
