Sri Lanka, May 20 -- Ven. Katumuluwe Sumanarathana Thera of the Padeniya Rajamaha Vihara has been suspended from his position as Chief Sanghanayake of the Devamedi Hatpatuwa by the Malwatta Chapter for holding the 'Sihinaya' programme on May 17 at the Padeniya Rajamaha Vihara.

The decision was taken in view of the Thera's conduct, which was deemed unbecoming of the traditions of the Buddha Sasana and in violation of directives issued by the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Malwatta Chapter.

Complaints and representations made by several organisations and members of the Maha Sangha in the North Western Province contributed to this decision.

Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter, Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, in a letter addr...