A body recovered in Kotadeniyawa yesterday has been identified as that of a monk who was reported missing from Hanwella on Saturday (02).
Police Spokesman Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana said the 65-year-old monk from Kodikanda Aranya Senasanaya in Thummodara, Hanwella was reportedly abducted by a group.
The body of the monk was recovered from the Nawana cemetery in Kotadeniyawa last afternoon, following which it was transported to the Negombo Base hospital.
According to Lankadeepa, the body which was set on fire, was retrieved with burn injuries to the face and blood near the nose and mouth.
Preliminary investigations by the Mirihana Police had confirmed that the deceased was the missing monk from Hanwella.
Four suspects have been arrested in connection to the abduction and murder of the monk.
DIG Ajith Rohana said it is suspected that the monk may have been murdered over a personal dispute.
The Judicial Medical Officer attached to the Negombo Base Hospital will conduct an autopsy on the orders of the Minuwangoda Magistrate’s Court today. (NewsWire)