Individual claiming to be 'Vishwa Buddha' arrested

January 21, 2024 - Ratnapura's Vimala Buddhi, known as Vishwa Buddha, has been re-arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for making statements insulting Buddhists and Buddhism and disseminating them on the internet. The suspect, aged 33, had been previously arrested, remanded, and later released on bail.

The re-arrest is attributed to the individual's alleged disobedience of court orders and continued dissemination of statements insulting Buddhism on social media. The suspect is scheduled to be presented before the Gangodawila Magistrate's Court this afternoon.

During the previous arrest, the CID informed the court that an external party had transferred an amount of 2.5 million rupees to the suspect's account. It was revealed that the individual had portrayed himself alternately as clergy and also as laity.

There have been indications that an organized group might be supporting him. Additionally, the CID disclosed that the suspect had been leading a luxurious lifestyle, using vehicles, and associating with women.