• Rs.1.1Mn offered to the temple driver to eliminate the assistant monk

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

The chief Buddhist Incumbent of the Deepaloka Viharaya in Ingiriya has been arrested on charges of conspiring to kill a fellow monk, Police Spokesman SDIG Ajith Rohana said. 

He said investigations revealed that there had been a smouldering dispute between the two prelates during the past three years over the temple’s ownership. 

The chief incumbent of the temple had offered Rs.1.1 million to the driver of the temple to eliminate the assistant monk, the SDIG said.  Further investigations are underway and the driver is evading arrest. Meanwhile, the arrested prelate is to be produced before the Magistrate, he said.