Teen Attempting to Enter Temple of the Tooth Disguised as Monk Released on Bail

On April 25, 2025, Kandy Additional Magistrate Vasana Navaratne ordered the release of a young man who attempted to enter the premises of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic without proper authorization or identification, dressed in monk's robes, on a personal bail of Rs. 100,000.

The suspect, identified as Matheesha Sahan, a 17-year-old student from the Kirindivela area, was apprehended by the police after failing to produce a valid monk identity card or national identity card, despite appearing in the attire of a Buddhist monk.

Court investigations revealed that the individual had previously lived as a novice monk but later returned to lay life. Police inquiries further confirmed that, driven by a strong desire to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, he donned the robes and attempted to enter the temple premises.

His actions led to his arrest by the police, and it was also revealed in court that he is currently preparing for an academic examination.

The police investigation was conducted under the direct supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police for the Kandy Division, Anuruddha Bandaranayake, with inquiries led by Chief Inspector Tilak Samaranayake.

Sub-Inspector A.M.S. Aththanayake of the Kandy Headquarters Police Station presented the suspect before the court and submitted a report detailing the full incident.

During the court proceedings, the Magistrate ordered the youth’s release on Rs. 100,000 personal bail and instructed him to appear in court again on September 16.

Given the current heightened security situation around the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, police have taken special measures to prevent unauthorised entries.