Locals allege move to build Buddhist shrine in Hindu temple premises in Vavuniya

A team led by Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upalai Samarasinghe and officials from Department of Archeology visited the  contested site located in the premises of Hindu Kovil in Vavuniya. 

Locals in Samanankulam, Vavuniya alleged that Department of Archeology commenced the process of bustling a new Buddhist shrine in the premises of Kallumalai Pillayaar Kovil of Samanankulam, Vavuniya under the banner of archeological explorations. 

Locals pointed out that a team from the Department of Archeology commenced their ‘exploration work’ recently and later, foundation stones were layed to construct a Buddhist shrine despite protest from local community. 

Deputy Minister of Cooperative and District Coordination Committee Chairman Upali  Samarasinghe who visited the site yesterday that all religious communities can come forward and donate funds to build the Hindu temple. 

Pointing out that all three religious communities worship Kathirkaamam (Kataragama) , a well known decorated  Murugan temple in the island, other communities can play a role in building this Hindu Kovil in order to strengthen ethnic and religious harmony. 

“So many in South worship Hindu gods, particularly in Colombo where several Hindu shrines are located. There are some attempts to disturb ethnic harmony by carrying out politics in the name of religion,” the Deputy Minister said. (Northeastern Monitor/January 2/2026)