Sri Lanka, Jan. 16 -- The midday meal provided by the Trincomalee Prison yesterday was initially refused by Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, though he later consumed food in the afternoon. Prison spokesperson A.C. Gajanayake confirmed these details regarding the monk's situation.

The Trincomalee Magistrate's Court ordered the monk, along with three other clergy members and five individuals, to remain in remand custody until the 19th. This legal action follows allegations of violating the Coast Conservation Act while constructing a roof and enclosure for a Buddha statue at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Temple in Trincomalee.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....