Investigation into Thayiddi Tissa Vihara Land – Minister Sunil Senavi

27-Sep-2025

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The Thayiddi Tissa Vihara in Jaffna has not been registered, nor has its land been acquired by the government. Investigations are underway transparently, said Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hinituma Sunil Senavi.

Responding in Parliament on September 26 to questions raised by Tamil National Alliance MP S. Sridharan, the Minister explained:

“There is a vihara called Tissa Vihara in Thayiddi, Valikamam North, Jaffna. It is not registered. The land matter is under inquiry. Protests in the area have been noted, but no official complaints have been received by the ministry—only media reports.

The land has not been taken over under the State Lands Act, and no gazette notification has been issued. No final decision has been made. Several rounds of talks have been held with local communities and civil society. The President himself has discussed the matter with us.

This issue cannot be resolved by one ministry alone. Both the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and the Ministry of Lands must work together. A committee led by Rohan Perera of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation has been appointed. We expect a solution through these interventions,” he said.