Trincomalee Temple Land Dispute Prompts Investigation

COLOMBO (News 1st); A dispute over temple land in Trincomalee has sparked widespread discussion in Parliament and among the public, following the removal of a Buddha statue by police authorities.

The incident took place at the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya on Kotuwa Road, where monks and temple supporters had laid the foundation stone for a new Dhamma School building. 

A Buddha statue was placed at the site shortly after the ceremony.

Police, acting on a complaint from the Coastal Conservation Department, arrived at the location citing unauthorized construction.

A tense exchange followed between the police and temple representatives, who claimed the land belonged to the temple and was legally documented.

The statue was temporarily taken to the Trincomalee Harbour Police Station and returned later that day.

The event has become a focal point for opposition parties, especially as they prepare for a major protest on November 21. 

MP Roshan Akmeemana of the National People’s Power visited the site and was met with mixed reactions from the public.

At a media briefing, the Frontline Socialist Party offered its perspective, suggesting that the land had been inactive since the 2004 tsunami and was previously used for commercial purposes. 

The party questioned the timing of the statue’s placement and warned against using religious symbols to assert land claims.

The party also expressed concern over attempts to politicize the issue ahead of upcoming rallies, emphasizing the need for transparency and lawful resolution.