Fake monks asking for donations outside Kandy temples

Asked about 6 hours agoViewed 640 times
E
Emma L.1105 rep2
asked about 6 hours ago

A man in a monk robe approached us outside the Bahirawakanda temple demanding a 5000 LKR cash donation for taking a photo. Is this normal.

34
asked about 6 hours ago
E
Emma L.1105 rep2

4 Answers

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Genuine Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka are forbidden by their Vinaya (code of conduct) from aggressively begging for cash or extorting tourists. This is a common scam where con artists buy robes and loiter near tourist sites. Never hand them cash. Legitimate donations should only be placed in the locked Till (donation boxes) inside the actual temple.

31
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answered about 6 hours ago
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Dr. Nimal.480 rep1

We had a guy tie a string around my wrist and then demand 20 dollars. Just firmly say no and walk away.

42
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answered about 6 hours ago
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Noah D.1045 rep2

If you see a police officer, point the fake monk out. The police will arrest them for impersonating clergy.

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answered about 6 hours ago
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Bhante S.1020 rep1

Thanks, I will use the official donation boxes from now on.

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answered about 6 hours ago
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Emma L.1105 rep2

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