Monk arrested for fraudulently collecting money using two Ministers photos

A monk was arrested today, September 17, for allegedly raising money through fake WhatsApp accounts that featured the photos of Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody and Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka. The 21-year-old monk was apprehended at a temple located in the Muruthalawa area. Investigators found that he had several forged letters, which pretended to be requests for school supplies for children impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. These letters were falsely signed by the secretaries of the two ministries involved. According to the police, the monk sent these letters to private organizations in a bid to collect money. Investigations are still ongoing.