Mihintale Rajamaha Vihardiparhi Venerable Walawahangunawewe Dhammarathana Thero has been acquitted and released from a case involving an assault on a tourist guide inside the temple premises.
The Anuradhapura Police had investigated the incident following a complaint by a tourist guide, Chandana Weerawantha Waduge alias ‘Ukkuwa’, alleging that Venerable Dhammarathana Thero had assaulted him at the temple on March 12, 2009.
Subsequently, charges of criminal assault were filed against the Thero.
The case, which had been pending for 15 years, was heard by three successive Magistrates, whose written order was passed by the current Additional Magistrate P.H.W.D.L. Samarasinghe read in open court.
Accordingly, the court has ordered the acquitted and release of Venerable Dhammarathana Thero as the charges against him have not been proven beyond reasonable doubt.