The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, with regard to the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya on Fort Road, Trincomalee, an incident was reported yesterday. A complaint was received by Police about an act of vandalism affecting a Buddha statue that had been placed there last night. Accordingly, Police removed the statue last night to ensure its security. The situation arose with the sudden placement of the statue. Today we instructed Police to re-install the statue at the temple premises. From today, proper security arrangements are being implemented. The Coast Conservation Department has also received a complaint regarding an eatery being established there in contravention of regulations; legal action is being pursued, and further steps will follow the court’s decision.

¶ 02 The statue was removed last night solely to ensure its protection. As I understand, by this morning, steps have been taken to re-install it within the Dhamma school grounds of the temple. Any land issues will be resolved by court. Necessary measures have been taken by Police, and today matters will be reported to court and acted upon according to the court’s orders. The statue’s security is assured. We cannot allow further unfortunate incidents in Trincomalee city. Instructions have been given to Police to take all necessary steps to maintain peace.