The monk from Pilimathalawa collected Ditwa aid using Deputy Minister Chathuranga's name.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva has granted bail to a monk from a temple in Pilimathalawa, who was accused of collecting aid and money by using the name of Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, claiming it was for the people affected by the 'Ditwa' cyclone. The suspect monk, named Dhammalankara, who was arrested by the Narahenpita Central Criminal Corruption Investigation Unit and produced before the court, was ordered by the Magistrate yesterday (26) to be released on two personal bails of ten lakh rupees each.

Presenting facts to the court, the police stated that the suspect had committed this financial fraud by using his mobile phone numbers and WhatsApp accounts under the guise of providing relief to those affected by the disaster. It has been revealed that over six lakh rupees are currently deposited in the suspect monk's bank account, and in addition, the police pointed out that another case related to financial fraud against him is being heard in the Fort Magistrate's Court. Since the suspect is already in remand custody in connection with that complaint and the investigations into this incident are not yet complete, the police requested the court to further remand him.

However, the suspect monk, speaking from the dock, rejected the accusations, stating that he had not committed any kind of fraud. The suspect stated that he had given his mobile phone SIM card to another person, and that this person, who is currently abroad, had deposited the relevant money into his bank account. After considering the facts presented by both parties, the Additional Magistrate decided to grant bail to the suspect monk and further ordered the police to inform the court about the progress of the investigations related to this incident on June 25.