Sri Lankan Court Targets Monk Rathana in Abduction Case

The Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court issued an arrest warrant on Monday for Athuraliye Rathana, a prominent Buddhist monk and former Sri Lankan parliamentarian, in connection with a 2020 abduction case. The warrant follows allegations by monk Vedinigama Wimalathissa, who claims Rathana orchestrated his kidnapping to coerce him into signing documents, enabling Rathana to secure a parliamentary seat for the Ape Janabala Party after the August 2020 elections.

Police reported that Rathana has been evading authorities since they visited his Colombo residence earlier this month. “He has gone missing,” a police spokesperson stated, noting ongoing efforts to locate him. The Colombo Crime Division requested the warrant after Rathana failed to comply with summons related to the investigation.

Rathana, a vocal nationalist, was among nine monks elected in 2004 and served in parliament until September 2024. Known for his fiery rhetoric, he has been a polarizing figure, often aligning with Sinhala-Buddhist nationalist causes. The abduction case has intensified scrutiny on his political activities, with Wimalathissa alleging the kidnapping was a calculated move to manipulate party representation.

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The case adds to Sri Lanka’s fraught political landscape, where religious figures wield significant influence. Authorities have not disclosed further details on the investigation, but the warrant marks a significant escalation. Rathana’s whereabouts remain unknown as police intensify their search.

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