The Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Dishan Gunasekara says he was questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today regarding a house built for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Kataragama.

Speaking to reporters, Dishan Gunasekara said the house was built by a person named Wimalaratne and was funded by the then Chief Incumbent of the Kataragama Kiriwehera Temple.

Stating that the person who built the house is currently unwell and the then Chief Incumbent of the Kataragama Kiriwehera Temple has passed away, Dishan Gunasekara said he was the only one aware of the details related to the building.

He further said that, as such, the CID had summoned him to provide details about the property.

Dishan Gunasekara revealed that the house did not belong to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, but was built for him by the then Chief Incumbent of the Kataragama Kiriwehera Temple. 

“During the war, when Mahinda Rajapaksa visited temples, he did not stay at hotels, but instead at houses or small annexes built within the temple properties. This property in question is also a similar building,” he added. (Newswire)

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The Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya, Dishan Gunasekara has accused the Police of forcefully searching his property without a proper search warrant.

Dishan Gunasekara reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today to provide a statement. 

Speaking to the media after recording his statement, he said CID officers in civil attire had entered his house in Malimbada, Matara, where his 84-year-old mother and a worker reside. 

“This is a big issue. The officers did not have a search warrant and were also unable to identify themselves. The Malimbada Police were also not informed of the inspection. After inquiring from the Malimbada Police, they went to my house and identified these officers,” he said. 

Stating that he had no issues with his house being inspected, Dishan Gunasekara said, however, it was an issue when officers without the necessary documents entered another person’s property and disturbed elderly relatives.

“Eventually, they said they wanted to know if Deshabandu Tennakoon was at the house. Now, Deshabandu Tennakoon is also accused of similar actions. He is accused of sending a similar team without notifying the Police to Matara. The same actions are being repeated. As a citizen, I request not to do such things,” he added. (Newswire)

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