The Asgiri Maha Vihara has suspended the post of Galle District Chief Sangha Nayaka after the former Chief Sangha Nayaka the Ven. Migettuwaththe Sumiththa Thera was arrested on charges of having assisted suspects to carry out several robberies.

Asgiri Chapter Chief Registrar the Ven. Anamaduwe Dhammadassi Thera said yesterday the decision, which was taken on Monday would be effective till the court proceedings on the charges were completed.

Ven. Sumiththa Thera was appointed to the post of Chief Sangha Nayake on September 21 2009.

He was arrested on Sunday. The robberies included the Rs.40 million worth of cash and jewllery robbed from a shop in Aluthgama. (Lakna Paranamanna)