Ibbagamuwe Matisha arrested for spreading false rumors that the Temple of the Tooth would become a bloodbath on Nov 19

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to immediately inform the directors of the State Intelligence Service regarding information circulating on social media that several major sacred sites in the country, including Sri Dalada Maligawa, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, and Thuparamaya, could be attacked and become a bloodbath on the upcoming November 19.

Here, strong attention was drawn to the fact that although ten days have passed since the Computer Crime Investigation Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department uncovered this serious information, it was not revealed to the court that higher intelligence officials had been informed about it. Recalling the tragic consequences the country faced in the past due to inaction after receiving information, the Magistrate emphasized that such information targeting Buddhist shrines cannot be taken lightly. Accordingly, the CID was further ordered to inform the State Intelligence Service in writing about the relevant facts and submit a report to the court.

Investigations related to this incident commenced following a complaint made by the Chief Incumbent of Dambulla Viharaya, Dr. Dhaniyagama Ananda Thero. The circulation of malicious statements and distorted photographs of Lord Buddha through a WhatsApp group, indicating that attacks would be carried out on sacred sites including the Dalada Maligawa on November 19, 2026, and that Buddhism would be eradicated from the entire world, has formed the basis for this investigation.

In connection with the incident, A.M. Amodya Mathisha, a 21-year-old resident of Ibbagama, was arrested by the Surveillance and Intelligence Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department on the first day of last month and remanded. A minor who allegedly assisted him by sending distorted photographs to the relevant WhatsApp group was also produced before the court yesterday, and investigating officers submitted photographs of the relevant social media posts to the court.

Considering the facts presented, the Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered the relevant minor suspect to be placed under probation until the 16th of next month and also ordered a report related to the incident to be called for on that day.