Police are searching for former MP Athuraliye Rathana Thera in connection with the alleged 2020 abduction of Our Power of People Party (OPPP) General Secretary Ven. Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thera, to force his signature on documents enabling Rathana Thera to obtain a National List seat.

Colombo Crimes Division officers have visited his Rajagiriya temple, as well as other temples, meditation centres, and housing complexes, but have been unable to locate him. Police say his mobile phone is switched off and measures are in place to prevent him from leaving the country.

Investigators say the complaint links the incident to then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and then-Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, both of whom are to be questioned.

Two suspects have already been arrested, including a monk known as Katugastota Nandaseeha Thera. Wedinigama Wimalatissa Thera told police he was threatened with death if he refused to sign, and that there was a plan to accuse OPPP leader Saman Perera of orchestrating his murder.

Phone records allegedly show Rathana Thera in frequent contact with the suspects at the time of the abduction. Police say Tennakoon interfered in the original investigation, which was then under the Colombo Crimes Division led by then-SSP C.D. Wickramaratne. (Newswire)

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