A search operation by the police, the STF and the Army was launched in the Aralaganwila area last evening to locate four Samanera monks aged between 11-13, who were reported missing.

They have apparently left for the jungle from Danajaya Rajamaha Viharaya close to mid-day. It is assumed that they entered the dense forest in an attempt to trek towards a prominent rock in the distance.

The Chief Incumbent, who was not present in the temple during the day, returned in the evening to find the four monks missing. He called police emergency service. The search operation was launched soon afterwards.