•  A group, including MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, had gone to perform a Pongal Pooja at the Kurundi temple. However, the temple’s donors opposed them, deeming it illegal

By Romesh Madusanka - Vanni   

The Mulaitivu police said that the presence of a group, led by Tamil National People’s Front leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, to conduct a Pongal pooja at the historical Kurundi Rajamaha temple yesterday (18), caused a tense situation with the temple’s donors and the situation was brought under control.    

 According to a court order obtained from the Mullaitivu Court, a group, including MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, went to perform a Pongal Puja at the Kurundi temple. However, the temple’s donors opposed them, deeming it illegal, resulting in a heated exchange of words between the two parties.   

 Subsequently, Chief Incumbent of Kurundi temple Ven. Galgamuwe Shantabodhi Thera arrived at the scene and, in accordance with the court order, granted permission for the Pongal Puja to proceed. However, he advised the group, including the MP, against engaging in such unethical activities in the future. The group was aggressive towards the monk as well.   

 The Mullaitivu police arrived and managed the situation. They also contacted archaeology officials, who designated an appropriate area for the Pongal pooja. The participating individuals conducted the Pongal pooja and then left.   

 Galgamuwa Shantabodhi Thera said that he intended to file a case at the Colombo Court of Appeal challenging the relevant court decisions.