The Transport and Highways Minister has no involvement or influence in the court order given to remove the Orugodawatta Sri Sambuddhaloka Temple built on the Colombo Baseline Road, the Ministry in a statement said. On 23.03.2023 and 21.06.2023, due to the lack of proper response, the Additional Magistrate of the Court of Colombo has again issued an order to remove this. Accordingly, an order has been issued to the defendant to remove this construction before July 7. Transport and Highways Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena did not hold the position of Transport and Highways Minister at the time of the initiation of this court case, which was legally carried out by the Road Development Authority, the authorized body related to the national road system, and when the initial decisions were made. He has not made any intervention or influence regarding these court orders and this court order is a decision given after an independent investigation.

Source: Sunday Observer June 23, 2023 09:57 UTC