Move to install Buddha statue in Hindu Temple stirs controversy

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 March 2006, 02:23 GMT]
Leader of Upcountry Peoples Front (UPF), Periyasamy Chandrasekaran, has brought to the attention of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chandra Fernando, the alleged attempts by local Sinhala residents to install a Buddha statue inside the premises of the historic Hindu Temple in Ukkuwela in Avissawala, UPF media office said.

More than one hundred Sinhala residents of Ukkuwela had tress passed into the Amman Hindu Temple Thursday morning had attacked and threatened the temple priest, and several South Indian craftsmen and sculpters, who is working on temple building renovation.

The incident may have been instigated by Sinhala extremists with the intention of creating difficulties to the peace talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, UPF leader said. "If the situation lasts Upcountry Tamils may have to act unitedly to safeguard our culture and independence," Chandrasekaran said, warning that he is to carry the message to Sri Lanka's President Rajapakse.