The construction of a Buddhist shrine on the island of Katchatheevu, a notable place of pilgrimage for Tamil Catholics, has raised fears around the possibility of Sinhala colonisation. The shrine has been erected in a section of land cordoned off, around 500 meters away from the historic St. Anthony’s Shrine. Additionally, security has been put in place to prevent pilgrims from entering the Buddhist shrine. Locals are suspicious that the shrine has been erected in an attempt to encourage Buddhist pilgrims in the future.