Saturday Aug 30, 2025
Saturday Aug 30, 2025
Saturday, 30 August 2025 01:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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| Former Member of Parliament Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera |
Former Member of Parliament Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera was yesterday ordered to be remanded until 12 September by the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court in connection with an alleged abduction case dating back to 2020.
Police have been investigating Rathana Thera’s alleged involvement in the abduction of Our Power of People Party (OPPP) General Secretary Ven. Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thera. According to the complaint, Rathana Thera is accused of forcing Wimalatissa Thera to sign documents that allowed him to secure a National List seat in Parliament.
Law enforcement authorities reported that Rathana Thera had been evading arrest for several weeks. Officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) had carried out extensive searches at his Rajagiriya temple, other temples, meditation centres, and several housing complexes, but were unable to locate him.
On 18 August, the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court issued an arrest warrant against Rathana Thera after his failure to appear before investigators. He subsequently surrendered and appeared before the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, after which he was ordered to be placed in remand custody.
