Suicidal monk or expert cover up?

A burnt body was located from a heavily forested area in Madunagala Buddhist sanctuary yesterday (14). The body has been recognized as 69 year old Ven. Kolonnawe Saranalankara Thero.

The Thero had arrived at the sanctuary two weeks prior and was said to have been residing in a meditation centre in the Thalagala- Millawa region.

Police so far have assessed the death as a suicide considering the letters that the monk has left for authorities stating that no one is to blame for his death.

The venerable monk has also written to the “Viharadipathi” thero at Madunagala stating that the reason he wishes to kill himself is because of his deteriorating health, his inability to sleep and continuous pains in his head.

Further investigations are underway, regardless of his letters it is questionable why anyone would choose to commit suicide by burning themselves, specially a man seeking a means to escape pain.

The deceased Thero has also left instructions to continue with his last rites once his son returns from abroad.