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| The statue of Buddha was removed by police last night on the grounds that there were no approvals were given to set up a shrine in the heart of Trincomalee. |
In an U- turn move, the government announced today that the Buddhist shrine that was removed last night by police on the grounds of being setupped without any official approvals will be constructed today.
Speaking at the Parliament today, Minister of Public Security Aananda Wijepala said that the police removed the statue last night due to ‘potential vandalism’ threats last night and it will be constructed at the same spot today. He assured that this kind of unfortunate incidents won’t happen again as well.
Criticizing the step as a major U-turn by the Public Security Minister this morning, ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said that the Minister has walked back his earlier stance and now says the illegal temple will receive police protection, claiming the statue was removed only to prevent vandalism. ‘It’s an embarrassing climbdown, and it’s obvious the minister and the government have given in to nationalist pressure.”
“And let’s be honest. Tamil people have never destroyed religious shrines, not even during a 30-year war. Using “vandalism” as an excuse is not just unconvincing, it’s an insult to a community that has always respected places of worship,” he wrote on his Facebook page expressing his disappointment.
Taking up the issue in the House, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that Buddhism should be given foremost place as stipulated in the Constitution and the government should heed the advise given by Chief Prelates of Buddhist monasteries. The opposition leader said that the land which the Buddhist shrine was to be setupped belong to the Buddhist temple. (Northeastern Monitor/ November 17/2025)
Related - Police intervenes on illegal Buddhist shrine in Trinco; Buddha statue removed
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