Timely intervention by the police averted a possible clash between the Buddhists and the Catholics in Daluwa after the Buddhist devotees planned to locate a Buddha statue at the Daluwa intersection.
According to reports, the incident occurred as follows: In view of the Vesak festival, the chief priest of Dalua Samudriya Pirivena and Sanghanayake of Puttalam District, Ven. Migettuwatte Sumitta Thero, has organized a procession from Karamba Vihara to Dalua Samudriya Pirivena under the auspices of the Daayaaka Sabbah (the temple advisory council).
Meanwhile, a group of people who came in the procession set up a temporary column at the Daluwa intersection, fixed a concrete slab on top of it, and erected a Buddha statue.
The tranquillity of the area has been disturbed by the installation of the statue that was forcibly erected in an area where there are many Christian religious devotees.
Accordingly, about 400 local residents, including religious leaders, have gathered in a Christian religious place to protest against the act. Vehicular traffic on the main road has also come to a standstill due to the unruly behaviour of the people who disturbed the peace.
Later, the Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the area and officers from nearby police stations were called, and with their support, the Buddha statue was taken into police custody.
