HC sentences monk to life imprisonment for possession of weapons

• Judgment comes 10 years after incident where Police found 2 automatic weapons and bullets at Maligakanda temple
• Judge says case proven beyond reasonable doubt 

Colombo High Court Judge Aditya K. Patabendige yesterday imposed a life sentence on Ven. Uwatenne Sumana Thera of the Bodhirukkaramaya, Maligakanda Temple for illegal possession of weapons that were found concealed on the temple premises.

The Thera was charged under the Explosives Ordinance for being in possession of two T-56 automatic weapons and 200 bullets. 

The judgement came 10 years after Police found the weapons at the temple during a raid in 2010. 

Four others who were arrested with the Thera were released due to lack of evidence early on. The judge said it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that the Thera had kept the weapons hidden at the temple illegally.