Northern Buddhist heritage sites under threat

By Ashanthi Warunasuriya   

Northern Buddhist heritage sites are under threat by the Tamil politicians in the province, the Chief Incumbent of Kurundi Vihara Ven. Galgamuwe Santhabodhi Thera alleged yesterday.   

“The Tamil politicians in the area held a Pongal event in Kurundi Vihara with an objective of creating unrest,” the Venerable Thera also said. 

“Some 68 Buddhist heritage sites are falsely claimed to be Hindu sites and the Tamil politicians are demanding them, he alleged.   

He said the Department of Archaeology, Police, Army have become helpless and had been forced to back out because of political interference.   

“A Chaithya was destroyed at the archaeological complex right before the eyes of the police and the army and a ‘Siva Linga’ has been placed while kovils have been constructed,” he also said while assuring that he is committed to safeguarding Buddhist heritage sites.