Selling temple land, bhikkhu held

by Kurulu Kariyakarawana

The Criminal Investigation Department yesterday took in for questioning the chief incumbent of a leading Buddhist temple in Pepiliyana for allegedly selling a land belonging to the temple for Rs.7 million, the police said.

The Bhikkhu had reportedly sold a prime land belonging to the temple, which are never to be sold or traded under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance.

An unknown party had lodged a complaint with the CID against the incumbent bhikkhu and the latter was taken into custody by a special police team, Police Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana said.

The Bhikkhu was to be produced before court yesterday.

The CID is conducting further investigations.