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Armed personnel and police were deployed to provide security as the spire of a newly constructed Buddhist temple was installed and consecrated in Thaiyiddy, Point Pedro on April 27th. The temple, which is the tallest of its kind constructed in Jaffna in the recent past, has raised concerns among locals who view it as part of an ongoing Sinhala colonisation project in the region.
The local community has accused the Archaeological Department of using Buddhism to justify the construction of such temples in predominantly Tamil areas, leading to demographic changes and the marginalisation of local communities. They argue that such projects are not aimed at promoting religious harmony and reconciliation, but rather are a part of the government's efforts to consolidate Sinhala Buddhist hegemony in the North-East.
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They expressed concerns over the government's lack of consultation with them before commencing construction of the temple and other infrastructure projects in the area. They argue that such moves are aimed at altering the demographic balance of the region and erasing the Tamil identity. The concentration of armed personnel and police in the area, which some Tamil residents have deemed to be excessive and unnecessary. Many Tamil citizens see the security presence as further proof of the government's agenda to forcefully impose their religion and culture in the Tamil homeland.