Monks Have the Right to Install Buddha Statue at Thirumalai Vihara — Opposition Leader Sajith

18-Nov-2025

.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that monks and the managing board of the Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Vihara in Trincomalee have full freedom and authority to conduct all activities related to the Buddhist religion within the Vihara premises. 

He emphasised that no external party has the right to interfere. He urged the President and relevant authorities to immediately meet the Mahanayake Theras, obtain their guidance, and take steps to prevent any escalation of ethnic or religious tensions.

Addressing Parliament during the committee-stage debate of the 2026 Budget allocations related to Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, Tourism, Justice, and National Unity, Premadasa said the Constitution grants foremost place to Buddhism while also guaranteeing space for other religions. 

The Sambuddha Jayanthi Vihara was established in 1951 and registered with the Department of Buddhist Affairs in 2010, with ownership of its sacred land formally recognised.

He questioned why police had entered the sacred premises and attempted to decide where the Buddha statue should be placed or how the Dhamma School building should be constructed. Such actions, he warned, embolden groups seeking to sow ethnic discord and undermine national harmony.

Premadasa insisted that any issues should be addressed in consultation with the Buddhist Chapters and the Mahanayake Theras, not through midnight police interventions. He demanded immediate action from the government and urged the President to work with the senior monks to extinguish potential ethnic and religious conflict and uphold justice.