Archaeology Dept prohibits development of Hindu temple in Vavuniya

by Sivakami
Sep 6, 2018

Sri Lanka's Archaeology Department has blocked the development of the Aathy Iyanar temple in Vedukkunaari Malai, Nedunkeni-Olumadu in Vavuniya district. 

Residents had sought to worship and carry out building works on the temple on Vedukkunaari Malai ahead of the temple's annual festival from September 7 to 9. 

However, Department officials have informed Nedunkeni police that it would be prohibited and that residents could build a temple 400m away from the original site. 

Tamils pray at ancient mountain Hindu temple

Last month the Archaeology Department had acquired a large swathe of land in Nedunkerni which encompassed the temple lands and banned civilians from accessing it. 

Angered residents and worshippers protested against the take over last month, launching a demonstration outside the Vavuniya North Divisional Secretariat on August 21. 

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