TNPF members released on bail following arrest during protest against new vihara in Thaiyiddy

by Sharmini
May 24, 2023

The nine Tamil National People's Front (TNPF) members, including lawyer Kanagaratnam Sugash, were released on bail today after the were arrested for protesting the illegal construction of a Buddhist temple in Thaiyiddy, Jaffna.

TNPF MP Selvarajah Kajendren was arrested alongside them but was released on the spot while the others were taken into police custody by Palaly police.

The protesters were demanding the immediate removal of the Tissa Rajamaha Vihara which was built illegally and on occupied land. 12 acres of land surrounding the temple are owned by 14 farming families but are currently also occupied. 

While the TNPF members remained in police custody, Kajendren remained at the protest site as he continued ongoing calls to remove the Tissa Rajamaha Vihara. 

 

 

"No matter what happens, I will remain in this spot and will continue this protest. The nine people who were arrested must be released and the activities at Rajamaha Vihara must stop and the occupied land must be released," Kajendren said. 

"We will rightfully continue our protest," he added. 

 

 

 

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