Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the police intervention during a tense situation at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Vihara in Trincomalee yesterday, warning of fueling communal tensions.
Citing Chapter Two of the Constitution, which grants Buddhism a foremost place while ensuring respect for other religions, he emphasized that the temple, established in 1951 and registered with the Department of Buddhist Affairs in 2010, holds legal status as a place of worship.
MP Premadasa condemned the police for issuing orders regarding the placement of Buddha statues and the construction of Dhamma school buildings, warning that such actions could fuel communal tensions.
Addressing the Parliament today, he stated that if there is any issue regarding the matter, it should be resolved through dialogue with the three Chief Prelates of the Buddhist sects.
“Sending police to disrupt development activities is unacceptable, and under whose authority were such orders issued? If the government does not understand the supreme law of the land, the Constitution, it should read it again,” he added.
The Opposition Leader also criticized the Speaker for blocking opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara from raising related concerns, calling it a violation of democratic rights.
MP Sajith Premadasa made the remarks in connection with the tense situation that was reported in Trincomalee yesterday.
The tense situation arose after a group of monks had attempted to place a statue of the Lord Buddha at a Dhamma school at a Buddhist temple in the area.
A video circulated on social media shows a Buddhist monk claiming that the site is a religious heritage location. However, it was also reported that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Conservation Department, and complaints had been filed regarding unauthorized activity on the premises. According to the Police, the land is subject to a court order prohibiting any development. (Newswire)