Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, along with five other individuals, have been remanded until January 19 by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court.

They face allegations of violating coastal conservation laws after placing a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Vihara on November 16, 2025.

Authorities had attempted to remove the statue, but faced opposition from the monks and local residents. 

The Coast Conservation Department had filed a complaint, citing that the construction of the statue was unauthorized.

All parties involved were produced before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court, which issued the remand order.