A lawsuit was yesterday filed against the Chief Incumbent of the Abhayarama Viharaya Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera seeking an order preventing him from utilising the temple property for political and trade union activities.
When the case came up before Colombo District Judge K.D. Gunasekara, notices and injunction notices were issued on the defendant to establish the facts regarding the plaint on February 15. The lawsuit had been filed by Ven. Pathberiye Wimala Gnana Thera and he cited Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera as the defendant.
The plaintiff stated that he has hereditary right to claim for the post of Viharadhipathi at the Abhayaramaya temple. The plaintiff said he has already filed a case in the Colombo District Court against Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera claiming his hereditary rights for the Viharadhipathi post in the temple.
The petitioner alleged that the properties of the Abhayarama Temple including the buildings and premises are being used by political parties and trade unions to gain political advantage in a manner that brought disrepute to the temple.
He said all these activities have taken place with the consent of Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera and thereby he sought an injunction order preventing Ven. Ananda Thera from utilising the temple property for political and trade union activities.
