Clash prevented by police in Trinco

• Commemoration programme suspended due to a protest staged by Tamil politicians  

By Amdoru Amarajeewa  

A protest staged by a group of individuals led by Jaffna District Parliamentarian S.Gajendran near the archaeological site in front of the Trincomalee public playground against a programme to commemorate the 270th anniversary of the higher ordination ceremony was dispersed by the police and the STF (Special Task Force).   

 Police had taken this step to prevent a possible clash and disturbance to peace when a group of Buddhist monks of Trincomalee District Sasanarakshka Balamandala was proceeding to the venue of the protest to drive away the protesters.  

The commemoration programme which was to be held in the playground with the participation of 50 Siamese Buddhist monks had to be suspended due to the protest staged by Tamil politicians.  

 The Buddhist monks, Dhamma school teachers and the residents of the area who held a counter-protest in Trincomalee town were marching to the venue of the protest of Tamil politicians when the police and the STF intervened and removed them from the scene to prevent any possible clash between the two parties.