It has been revealed during interrogation of the five suspects arrested for the attempted murder of Kiri Vehera Raja Maha Vihara Chief Incumbent, Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera a Rs. 3 million contract has been given to assassinate the Thera.
Following the operations conducted by eight police teams for four days according to the instructions of IGP Pujith Jayasundara, the police have been able to find the weapons along with the firearms and the car used in the shooting, Police Media Spokesperson Superintendent of Police Ruwan Gunasekara said.
According to the police, the main suspect Asela Lakshman Bandara, who was a former custodian (Kapu Rala) of the Mahasen Devalaya at the temple has given a Rs. 3 million contract to murder the Thera and participated in planning the assassination of the Thera.
He has allegedly given the contract to two twin brothers serving in the temple and two others.
The police yesterday arrested Asela and two suspects in Pepiliyana and the two twin brothers in Kataragama.
The police have learned that the main suspect was involved in many financial and other malpractices when he was serving as the custodain of the Mahasen Devale and he was removed from his position by the Chief Incumbent.
Several others who had supported the plan to assassinate the Chief Prelate in various ways, will be arrested soon, SP Ruwan Gunasekara said.
