Protesters demand removal of Tissa Rajamaha Vihara in Thaiyiddy, Point Pedro

Protesters in Thaiyiddy, Point Pedro, have been demonstrating continuously since May 3rd, calling for the removal of the Tissa Rajamaha Vihara temple. The demonstrators are demanding that the temple be removed and the 100 parappu land surrounding the temple be returned to the 14 families who own it.

Protesters marched to the temple's entrance, and as a result, five people, including one woman, were arrested by the Palay Police. The arrestees have not been informed of the charges against them. Since then, the police have erected barricades around the temple, preventing the public from entering the area.

There has been an increase in police and military presence around the temple since the recent consecration ceremony. However, many locals have joined the protest in solidarity despite the conitnued intimidation by the Police and the Military personnel.

On May 5th, a meeting was held, chaired by MP Douglas Devananda and Northern Province Governor Jeevan Thiagaraja, to discuss the situation surrounding the temple. However, MPs M.A. Sumanthiran, S. Sritharan, T. Sitharthan, and Angajan Ramanathan walked out of the discussion after stating that the temple has been constructed without permission and illegally, and on occupied land, and joined the protest in front of the temple.

Sumanthiran also condemned the actions of Sri Lanka's security force in protecting the Buddhist vihara which was erected without permission and encroached on the land of locals.