Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa says an investigation will be launched if police are found to have acted wrongfully while removing a Buddha statue from temple premises in Trincomalee.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet briefing, he cautioned that discussing isolated moments of the event may create a distorted picture, stressing that harming a Buddha statue could spark serious unrest. “Don’t add fuel to the fire,” he urged.

Dr. Jayatissa confirmed that the IGP has begun investigating alleged police assaults on monks during the incident. He said police acted to prevent possible damage to the statue and maintain peace after the Coast Conservation Department reported that the construction at the site was unauthorized.

The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court has ordered that evidence be recorded, documents verified, and that no new construction take place until 26 November.

A tense situation arose on 16 November when police removed the statue, leading to protests and two monks being hospitalized.

The statue was returned by police the following afternoon.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament the statue was removed temporarily due to intelligence reports suggesting it might be vandalized.

The government maintains that no one will be allowed to exploit the incident for political gain.