The Police are presently identifying all devotees who attended a Hindu religious gathering in Batticaloa yesterday, ignoring health guidelines amidst a deadly spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The religious gathering was held at the Mamangam Temple in Batticaloa yesterday morning where several Hindu devotees attended, ignoring all health protocols. Pictures of the commemoration then circulated online sparking anger as to how permission was granted for such a gathering at a time when the government had urged everyone to avoid public gatherings as the Delta variant continued to cause havoc.

Geethanath Cassilingham, Coordinating Secretary to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the government's special resettlement facilitator to the North and East who yesterday said that a report would be called over the incident, today in a statement on his Twitter account said that following an inquiry, MoH officers, under the quarantine law, had filed legal action against the five trustees of the Temple and produced them before a Magistrate. They were released on Rs.25,0000 cash bail each.

The trustees along with the Chief Priest of the Temple have all been directed to 14 days quarantine within the Temple premises from today and will be subject to PCR tests. 

Cassilingham said police were also presently identifying the devotees who attended the gathering and will direct them to 14 days home quarantine. After the end of their quarantine period, all will be subject to PCR tests.

"The quarantine law is equal to all during this time of the pandemic because it is to ensure everyone's safety. We urge all not to break these rules which may result in putting your health at risk," Cassilingham said. (JH)