Police intervenes on illegal Buddhist shrine in Trinco; Buddha statue removed

The statue of Lord Buddha was removed by police officers despite protest by Buddhist monks in Dutch Bay, Trincomalee last night. 

Police removed an illegally erected statue of Lord Buddha installed arbitrarily by a group of Buddhist monks near Dutch Bay, Trincomalee last night (November 17). 

A tense situation erupted last night when police, armed with riot police personnel entered into the disputed area and removed the statue of Lord Buddha that was set to be installed in the premises. 

The Buddhist monks vehemently opposed statue being removed along with local Sinhalese individuals. A police officer was also reportedly assaulted by a Buddhist monk as well. 

Earlier yesterday (16), senior officials attached to Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management (DCC) and journalists were harassed when a foundation stone for a building complex was placed without obtaining proper approval. 

MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam of Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) thanked Minister of Public Secuirty Aananda Wijepala for taking immediate action over the incident. 

Buddhist monks at Sri Sambudda Jayanthi Bodhivardhana Buddhist temple, located near Fredrick Fort at Trinco harassed and threatened both officials and journalists who went to the spot for news gathering. 

Both officials and journalists were forced to leave the premisses by the monks. 

Following officials attached to Department of Coast Conservation lodged a complaint at Trincomalee police over proposed illegal building complex, the ceremony was halted temporarily. The police is to file a case in the Magistrate Court as well. 

Locals alleged construction materials and name hoardings were transported last night (November 15) by individuals attached to the shrine. 

Earlier, Department of Coast Conservation filed for legal action on November 4 against constructing a canteen within the shrine premises. A separate case, filed by Trincomalee Municipal Council is also pending in courts. The Chief Monk of the shrine requested court to provide one week file counter response. 

In addition to Department of Coast and Conservation, no prior approvals were obtained to construct a building within the premises from Municipal Council or Urban Development Authority as well. (Northeastern Monitor/ November 17/2025)