The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday arrested Mahinda Kodituwakku, the self-proclaimed ‘Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva’ at Pannipitiya.
Kodituwakku is accused of distorting Buddhist teachings, criticizing Buddhist monks and creating confusion and unrest among the public. He had been arrested by the CID in Pannipitiya while travelling in a trishaw.
The Computer Crime Division of the Police said that the suspect was arrested on the charges of causing unrest among those following Buddhism, causing public disturbance and money laundering in accordance with section 6 of the Computer Crime Act.
Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said he can be charged under Sections 291 and 291 of the Penal Code for offences of uttering words with the sole intention of hurting religious sentiments, insulting religious belief of a class or religion and offenses under the Computer Crimes Act.
Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe