Two sides were engaged in a clash during the funeral of the Chief Incumbent of Seruvila Mangala Maha Viharaya the late Serunuvara Sarnakitti Thera.

The clash erupted due to a controversial statement by Prof. Wimal Wijeratne, who spoke on behalf of the Chaithyawardana Society.

He said that the new Chief Incumbent of the temple should be selected from among the monks attached to the Society.

No monks were involved in the clash. Speeches by the laymen were concluded abruptly and Kotapola Amarakitti Thera apologized for the inconvenience caused.

The ownership of the temple is claimed by two sides and a court case has also been filed over it.