Buddha Statue Was Removed Only for Protection — Minister Ananda Wijepala

18-Nov-2025

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Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala stated that following reports received by the police about the confusion surrounding the installation of a Buddha statue in Trincomalee, the statue was removed solely to ensure its safety. 

He stressed that no further unfortunate incidents would be allowed to occur in the city and that police had been briefed on the necessary measures to maintain law and order.

Speaking in Parliament on November 17, the Minister addressed the unrest caused by the installation of the statue. 

He explained that a related incident had taken place at the Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya of the Fort Sampothithagama School. 

According to him, police received information at night indicating the possibility of deliberate attempts to damage the newly installed statue. Acting on this intelligence, the statue was removed to a secure location.

The Minister added that the issue stemmed from the statue having been installed in haste. He instructed the police to facilitate the proper reinstallation of the statue within the Vihara premises, with adequate security arrangements in place.

He further noted that the Coast Conservation Department had lodged a complaint alleging that an unauthorised food stall was being operated at the site. 

As the matter has already been taken to court, any action must comply with judicial orders. He emphasised that the statue was removed purely to prevent potential damage and that arrangements were made to reinstall it at the Dhamma School premises the following morning. He stressed that law and order must be upheld and that no further disturbances would be tolerated in Trincomalee.