The Sri Lanka Police has issued a clarification on news reports circulating claiming that Police protection for the Chief Incumbent of the Kiri Vehera Temple in Kataragama, Venerable Kobawaka Damminda Thero, has been withdrawn.
Issuing a statement, the Police said a report has been submitted by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Matara and Hambantota divisions, clarifying the news item circulating via electronic, print, and social media.
According to the report, the Kataragama sacred precinct houses the Ashta Pala Ruha Bodhiya, the Kiri Vehera Temple, and several other shrines. To ensure security in this area, 16 police officers and one Civil Security Department officer have been deployed around the clock.
Additionally, since 2018, two of the 17 officers assigned to the temple guard post have been continuously tasked with providing 24-hour protection specifically for the Chief Incumbent of the Kiri Vehera Temple.
The Police said that, furthermore, a military detachment has been stationed within the Kataragama temple premises, and personnel from this unit also contribute to the security of the Chief Incumbent of the Kiri Vehera Temple.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Matara and Hambantota divisions has clarified that the news circulating across various media platforms claiming the withdrawal of security for Venerable Kobawaka Damminda Thero or the temple premises is false. (Newswire)
