Insulting Buddhism: Court orders CB to submit report on self-styled godman's bank accounts

Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage has directed the Central Bank to submit a report on bank accounts maintained by Mahinda Kodithuwakku, the self-proclaimed “Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva,” who is accused of insulting Buddhism.

A travel ban was also imposed on him.

The Magistrate gave the order after Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris told the court that such details were required for an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) Computer Crimes Division.

Mr. Peiris said the suspect, who had recently arrived from Egypt, had organised lavish ceremonies to welcome himself at the Bandaranaike International Airport and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya and conducted “sermons.”

He said investigations were continuing to determine whether the suspect was posing as a Bodhisattva to fulfil the objectives of a religious fundamentalist organisation or whether he was acting under the influence of a group of fundamentalists. Investigations are also being conducted against the suspect under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The DSG accused the suspect of misusing religion for personal financial gain and added that his so-called sermons, which he also spreads through his own YouTube channel, distort Buddhism and are extremely dangerous. The suspect had also publicly claimed to have sexually abused his own daughter, and as such, he could also be liable to be charged with sexually abusing a minor, he added.

The investigation against the accused was launched following complaints made against him by Buddhist monks and various organisations.

The DSG also revealed in court that police have found that the event held to welcome the suspect was organised by a Badalkumbura Police sergeant, who is one of the suspect’s most ardent followers. When questioned by police, however, the sergeant insisted he held no responsibility for the statements made by the self-styled “Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.”

Meanwhile, the Mehenin Vahanse who was seen in a viral video worshipping at the feet of the suspect, has been identified as a resident of Thambuttegama and is a former member of the State Intelligence Service. She had told the police that she became one of his followers some time ago and gave him Rs. 10,000 as a donation.

DSG Peiris asked for a court date to present evidence to support an arrest warrant against the suspect. The magistrate postponed the case to January 17 and ordered that the evidence be presented on that date.

He said investigations were continuing to determine whether the suspect was posing as a Bodhisattva to fulfil the objectives of a religious fundamentalist organisation