The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Matara and Hambantota Districts has submitted a report clarifying the facts regarding a news circulating through the electronic and print media and social media that the police security of the Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Purana Viharaya, Venerable Kombawaka Dhamminda Thero, has been withdrawn.
According to the report, the Ashtapa Bodhi Thero, as well as the Kataragama Kirivehera and other temples are located within the Kataragama Maha Devalaya premises and 16 police officers and a Civil Defence Force officer have been deployed to provide 24-hour security to this premises.
In addition, the statement states that out of the 17 officers assigned to the temple guard post since 2018, two police officers have been deployed on duty 24 hours a day for the protection of the Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Purana Viharaya.
In addition, an army detachment has been established within the Kataragama temple premises and that army detachment is also deployed for the protection of the Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Purana Viharaya.
Accordingly, the statement states that the news circulating on social media in this regard is false.