Perpetrators of Kataragama shooting still at large

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Authorities are yet to make an arrest over the shooting of the Chief Incumbent of the Kataragama Kirivehera Temple, Venerable Kobawaka Damminda Thero. Shots were fired at the Venerable Thero at around 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday (June 12), by three persons who had arrived in an SUV. Police suspect that the shooting had been planned by the Former Sharman or Kapu Mahattaya of the Mahasen Devalaya, Asela Bandara. Investigations have revealed the vehicle used for the shooting belongs to Asela Bandara. Police had recorded statements from the suspects until late last night (June 13). However, the Police did not make any attempt to arrest the suspects or seize the SUV till this morning (June 14). Reports suggest the chief suspect - Former Kapu Mahattaya of the Kataragama Mahasen Devalaya, Asela Bandara, had already fled the area. The Kataragama Police said one of the two other suspects is the brother of the chief suspect. The other suspect is believed to have served as an assistant at the Mahasen Devalaya. Though it was said they were being questioned extensively, they were not arrested even as of this evening (June 14). It is very surprising that not a single suspect has been arrested 48 hours after two monks were shot at in the open on the sacred grounds of Kataragama. Another reason for doubt is the vehicle carrying weapons which were used to commit the crime was not even subject to an inspection at a single police post. Monks at Temples surrounding the Kirivehera Temple claim the security provided to four gates of the sacred grounds are not sufficient. The Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Temple who was shot at is being treated at a private hospital in Colombo. A hospital spokesperson said the Thero is recovering. The other Monk who was injured in the shooting is still receving treatment at the Hambantota General Hospital.