The planned forcible takeover of the Kurundi Raja Maha Vihara site, disguised as a Pongal festival, was successfully thwarted through the intervention of the police and the Department of Archaeology. The incident unfolded amidst escalating tensions and allegations of destructive intentions aimed at the sacred temple grounds.
The Reverend Galgamuwe Santabodhi, the head of Kurundi Vihara and Sapumalgaskada Vihara, raised alarm in a video released yesterday (13), exposing plans by separatist youth groups in the north and east to orchestrate subversive activities under the guise of a religious ceremony today (14). He further warned that certain individuals were attempting to desecrate the primary temple grounds.
Prompted by these concerns, Reverend Santabodhi approached the Mullaitivu police on Tuesday (11) morning, urging them to intervene and prevent unnecessary religious conflict at this revered site. Notably, scientific evidence had confirmed the absence of Hindu symbols at Kurundi Puja site, historically the largest Buddhist shrine in the north where the Kurundi Atthakatha was penned.
After reviewing the situation, the police promptly reported the facts to the Mulativu court, seeking an order to prevent the event. However, the court regrettably rejected the request.
Seizing on this decision, a considerable number of individuals, led by Selvaraja Gajendran, Dharmalingam Siddharthan, and other Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarians, gained access to Kurundi Temple on the morning of the planned festival, fully prepared to proceed with the Pongal celebration.
Coinciding with their arrival, a group of dedicated monks, including the venerable Ganghabodhi Thero, the head of Kurundi Vihara, had organized a Buddha worship service within the temple and were actively engaged in the sacred rituals.
To maintain order, police officers and archaeological officials were present at the scene, vigilant in their duty to protect the historical site.
Tensions escalated when the group attempted to light a fire in the archaeological area, utilizing a large stove as part of the Pongal Puja ceremony. Archaeology officials promptly raised objections to this act, citing the legal protection offered by the Puravidya Ordinance and emphasizing the need to refrain from any illegal activities. In response, the police intervened, ensuring compliance with the law and issuing a stern warning to the crowd.
Consequently, the group chose not to ignite the fire within the sacred premises. Instead, they proceeded with a flower lamp puja and subsequently dispersed.
