Hindu Council objects Buddhist Vihara replacing Saiva temple in Kokku'laay

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 27 March 2012, 16:24 GMT]
The construction of a Buddhist Vihara in the site after the destruction of several decade old Pi'l'laiyaar temple at Kokku'laay in Mullaith-theevu district cannot be allowed, said C.Yogeswaran, Batticaloa district Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian in a memorandum to Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister D.M.Jayatrena who also hold the post of Ministry of Buddha Sasana. Mr Yogeswaran has sent the memorandum in the capacity of vice president of All Ceylon Hindu Council.

Yogeswaran has pointed out to the SL Prime Minister that Buddhist Viharas are being constructed in Tamil areas where not a Sinhalese lived earlier.

“I have brought these injustices done to Saivites for your consideration several times. But you have failed to address the issues. Please take immediate steps to stop constructing Buddhist Viharas after destroying the Hindu temples,” said Mr Yogeswaran in his memorandum to the SL Prime Minister.

Viharas are being constructed surrounding the spots where Buddha statues had been planted by the Sri Lanka Army, especially in the vicinity of their camps, in the North and Eastern provinces.

“Such mischievous attempts would lead to animosity between the peoples,” the MP told SL Prime Minister in his letter.

Tamil Saivites and Christians were the natives of Kokku'laay. There was no historical evidence to show that Sinhala Buddhists were living there.

Under the current circumstance, many Hindu temples are being destroyed and Buddhist Viharas are being erupted under the guidance of Buddhist prelates in the North and Eastern provinces. This wanton destruction of Saiva koayils, going on for the last 3 years, could not be allowed any more, the MP further said.