The body of Pindeniya Pothukoladeniya Sri Vivekarama Viharadhipati Ven. Rotumbe Chandananda Thera who had been allegedly murdered with a blow on his head was found in the Temple’s Avasaya by police on Sunday.
The Police said that the body was in a highly decomposed state and believed the murder had taken place two days ago.
Investigations revealed that a resident in a nearby house used to bring gilanpasa (evening tea) to the Thera every day and the Thera had not been seen at the temple after partaking gilanpasa on April 5.
The Thera’s absence prompted the police to search for him inside the temple when they found that he had been murdered.
The neighbour who used to offer gilanpasa had noticed the door at the entrance to the Avasaya was locked from outside using a padlock.
He had seen the Thera lying on the floor when he leaned through the window.
Thereafter, he had alerted the people in the area by peeling the temple bell and the people who gathered had informed the police.
Investigations revealed that the Thera usually left the temple around 6.30 am and return in the afternoon after a sojourn in the village and he did not have a close rapport with the temple dayakas.
The Police said all equipment and other assets of the temple were found intact and there had been no intention of robbery connected with the murder. Investigations are continuing.
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