Srinath Chathuranga and Upul Shantha Sannasgala, who wrote the book 'Buddha's Rastiyaduwa' and appeared in court for printing and distributing a book that defames the great Buddha and Buddhism, have been released on Rs. 50,000 bail each.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe has ordered the release on bail of Kadde Kapuge Srinath Chathuranga and Upul Shantha Sannasgala on Rs. Mr. ordered yesterday (May 20).

The Magistrate also directed the CID to submit a report to the court in the coming days after conducting further investigations and obtaining the advice of the Attorney General.

The order was issued when the two suspects appeared in court yesterday following a notice issued on April 29 to appear in court in connection with the incident.

After considering the facts, the Magistrate adjourned the case till September 9.

The Attorney General has instructed the two suspects to be named as suspects in the case for compiling, printing and distributing the book 'Buddha's Rastiyaduwa'. The case was reported to the court on April 29. On August 20, 2018, Wijayadasa Rajapaksa, the then Minister of Cultural Affairs, stated that the printing and distribution of this book had brought disrepute to Buddhism and the great name of the Buddha, and that the Buddha had been insulted and humiliated in its content. The Criminal Intelligence and Prevention Division had reported to the court recently that the investigations were initiated based on a complaint lodged.