Controversial monk ‘Vishwa Buddha’ expelled from monkhood

• The monk, who was arrested once again by the CID was remanded till January 26 by the  Gangodawila Magistrate

The controversial saffron-robed monk who identifies himself as ‘Vishwa Buddha’ has been expelled from the Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the monkhood. The Mahanayake Thera of Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Ven. Makulewe Wimalaabhidana Thera has informed this decision to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs. 

In December of the last year, the CID’s cybercrimes unit had arrested the monk for allegedly insulting Buddhism on social media and remanded him after producing him in court. Later he was released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis on January 9.  

Known for his controversial online presence, Vishwa Buddhi had posted videos on various social media platforms containing content deemed offensive to Buddhism. Police said he was arrested in response to numerous complaints against the monk.  

Earlier, a court order had been issued to produce him in court after it was discovered that he allegedly continued his usual behaviour despite warnings from the court.  
The suspect monk was to be produced in the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court yesterday.