By Saman Indrajith

The government does not accept a directive issued by the Governor of the Eastern Province suspending the ongoing construction at the temple premises by Chief Incumbent of the Boralukanda Rajamaha Viharaya, Trincomalee, Vidura Wickremanayake, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs told Parliament on Thursday (24).

Wickremanayake said so, responding to a question from Opposition MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera on difficulties faced by Buddhist monks and the protection of Buddhist archeological sites in the North and East.

The Thera said that the chief incumbent of the temple had obtained permission from the Department of Buddhist Affairs and that ancient artefacts had been found there.

“The land of the Boralukanda Rajamaha Viharaya was being cleared and there was no opposition from the Tamil villagers. However, certain groups, with vested interests, got a few people to protest, holding placards.

On 08 August, following a phone call by a Trincomalee District MP, the Governor has instructed the Divisional Secretary to send written notice to halt the activities at the temple,” the Thera said.

The Thera asked whether the government accepts this directive by the Governor.In response the Minister said that the government does not accept the directive and that the incumbent Thera can move back to the temple by Friday.