CCD Attempts to Arrest Athuraliye Rathana Thero

According to the CCD, Rathana Thero was not present at the location, and his mobile phone remains switched off as he is reportedly in hiding.

The complaint alleges that Ven. Vimalatissa Thero was abducted and forced to sign documents under duress to facilitate Rathana Thero’s appointment to the National List seat. Investigations reveal the abduction was intended to block Vimalatissa Thero’s nomination and replace him with another individual.

Two suspects have been arrested so far, including a 35-year-old from Kirimanagoda, Katuwana — formerly ordained as Ven. Katuwana Nandaseeha Thero — who is alleged to have carried out the abduction along with the second suspect. The first suspect was arrested on July 20.

A phone network analysis reportedly confirms Rathana Thero had unusually frequent contact with the suspects during the time of the abduction.

The CCD has also scheduled to question former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and interdicted Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon over the incident. Sources say the complaint mentions a direct link between Tennakoon, the abduction, and the National List seat.

It is further noted that on January 22, 2024, five individuals including party leader Saman Perera were killed in Beliatta in an underworld-related shooting near the Southern Expressway entrance.