A tense situation developed last night(16) in Trincomalee after police removed a Buddha statue from the grounds of the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya.

The removal came after the Coast Conservation Department complained that the construction, part of efforts to recommence a Dhamma School, was unauthorised. 

The temple has been registered since 1951.

Monks and residents protested the police action. 

Two monks, including Chief Incumbent Ven. Trincomalee Kalyanawamsathissa Thero, are reportedly in hospital with alleged injuries from the incident. 

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stated in Parliament that the action was taken to protect the statue from potential damage.