The image of a Buddhist vihara on the sign board for Nainativu was found covered with red paint on Saturday.
Nainativu, which is site of an iconic Tamil Hindu temple, has become a focal point of Tamil anger towards the post-conflict Buddhisation of the Tamil homeland.
Following the end of the armed conflict, the Sri Lankan military has refurbished a Buddhist temple in the area, erecting a new Buddha statue and a resting house for Sinhala pilgrims.
The Sri Lankan government also issued a gazette notification, officially changing the name of the island from the Tamil name Nainativu, to the Sinhala name 'Nagadeepa'.
Transport services to the island are controlled by the Sri Lankan navy which operates a ferry service for pilgrims, stopping first at the Buddhist temple, then the Hindu temple.
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
