• Main suspect monk detained till 2 May

The Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the Chief Prelates of the three Buddhist Sects; Siam, Amarapura, Ramanna, today (28) regarding the incident in which a group of 22 monks was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on 26 April for the possession of ‘Kush’ cannabis and ‘Hash’ narcotics, estimated to be valued at over Rs. 110 million.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (27), Ministry Secretary, W.P. Senadheera said the arrests had taken place according to the prevailing law of the country, under which the possession of drugs is a punishable act. He added that since the incident involves a group of monks, the Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the Chief Prelates to discuss the matter. “We would be taking necessary steps as a Ministry also according to the guidance and advice from the Chief Prelates,” he said.

In one of the largest narcotics seizures ever recorded at the BIA, 22 individuals dressed in Buddhist monastic robes were arrested with more than 110 kilograms (kg) of drugs valued at over Rs. 110 million on 26 April. Following the arrests, the suspects were produced before Negombo Additional Magistrate Subhani Abeysekera, who ordered them to be detained for seven days for questioning. Further, the Police have arrested the main suspect in Meegahawatta, Gampaha, who was also identified as a monk, who is alleged to have facilitated the group of monks who were apprehended with the large stock of narcotics. Following the arrest, the Chief Prelates had also issued a joint statement condemning the anti-doctrinal and illegal acts of the group of “monk impersonators” accused of misusing the saffron robe to traffic drugs.

Meanwhile, investigations have been initiated into the incident involving several saffron-robed individuals arrested with narcotics at the BIA, the Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated. Speaking to the media after an event held yesterday, he emphasised that all individuals are equal before the law and that no distinction will be made between the powerful and the vulnerable in legal proceedings. 

He stated the relevant facts regarding the incident have already been submitted to courts and that further legal action will follow based on ongoing investigations. Wijepala also noted that the authorities are acting in line with guidance from the Buddhist clergy while simultaneously pursuing legal measures. As part of a nationwide anti-drug operation, more than 110 kg of narcotics were seized at the BIA, with several monks among those arrested. 

Investigations are ongoing, and officials say that further steps will be taken based on their findings. The Chief Prelates noted that all the “monk impersonators” involved in this illegal act, which they say has been committed by abusing the traditional respect and acceptance of a monk in the Sri Lankan society and the teachings of Buddhists regarding the noble saffron robe of Buddhist monks, should be duly punished.

Meanwhile, the alleged main suspect, a Buddhist monk, who is accused of orchestrating the movement of 22 members of the clergy arrested at the BIA with a large consignment of narcotics, has been ordered to be detained and interrogated for seven days until 2 May. The order was issued yesterday by Negombo Additional Magistrate Subhani Abeysekara when the suspect was produced before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court. The suspect is alleged to have been preparing to receive a large shipment of narcotics brought from Thailand at the BIA.

Following the arrest of 22 monks at the Airport with narcotics, the main suspect reportedly fled the scene and went into hiding in the Miriswatta area before being arrested by the Police on 26 April.

Investigations have revealed the suspect was under the influence of drugs at the time of the arrest, according to medical reports.

Authorities also stated the individual coordinated the travel of the other monks to Thailand and managed the WhatsApp communications used in the operation, as revealed in Court.

Police have recovered 112 kg of narcotics, including “Kush” cannabis and “Hash,” valued at over Rs. 1.1 billion, which were allegedly smuggled into the country concealed in travel bags by the group of 22 monks.