Buddhist monks file complaint against former NPC member for 'obstructing' Buddhist worship on Tamil temple land

by Sharmini
Sep 1, 2022

Ravikaran joined protesters to block the illegal installation of a Buddha statue at the Tamil temple site in June

Buddhist monks have filed a complaint at Mullaitivu police station claiming that former Northern Provincial Council member Thurairasa Raviakaran, is 'obstructing' Buddhist worship at Kurunthurmalai, the hill-top site of an ancient Tamil temple in the district’s Thannimurippu area.

Ravikaran has been summoned to Mullaitivu police station tomorrow for further questioning. 

Ravikaran, is one of many local Tamils that have continuously protested against ongoing attempts by Sinhala Buddhists to occupy the ancient Tamil site. In July, the Mullaitivu court ordered the removal of all new constructions, including an illegally built Buddhist shrine, on Kurunthurmalai.

Despite an ongoing court injunction against altering the hill, Sinhala Buddhist monks with the support of the Sri Lankan military and archaeology department carried out the construction of a Buddhist shrine on the temple’s land. During the construction, Tamils were also barred from accessing the Athi Aiyanar temple for worship.

 

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