Clergy protest Ukrainian Tourists visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth

When they were about to leave the premises, Venerable Lewelle Dhammalankara Thero highlighted the risk posed to the locals upon the arrival of the Ukrainian tourists.

"This visit was organized without informing the Mahanayake's of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters, and even the governor of the central province," the Venerable Thero alleged.

He warned the people are at risk of contracting the coronavirus as these tourists who are from a country in lockdown, will be visiting multiple other areas in the country.

"Who will be responsible when the people fall ill?," questioned the Venerable Thero.

However, Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga in a social media post claimed the visit was carried out in accordance with the quarantine regulations laid out by the government and following proper inspections.

In another post, he said the Ukrainians were to visit the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, however that visit was canceled due to financial constraints.

He said Rs. 627,000/- was to be paid to the Elephant Orphanage to accommodate 209 tourists.

Governor of the Central Province Lalith U. Gamage speaking to News 1st on the visit by the Ukrainians said he was not aware of such a visit adding as it was organized by the Tourist Board, there was no need to keep him aware of the visit.

He added as the visit is taking place on the guidelines given, the health sector would determine the safety of the visit.