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Row Erupts Over Security Withdrawal at Sri Lanka's Primary Buddhist Site
The Buddhist Channel, 19 December 2023
Colombo, Sri Lanka -- Sri Lanka's leading Buddhist prelates have appealed to the government to ensure the safety of the birthplace of Buddhism in the country following the decision to remove military personnel stationed at the historical pilgrimage site.
The announcement to withdraw security from the Mihintale temple shrine came last week from State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennekoon. This decision followed allegations by the chief incumbent, Venerable Walawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera, who claimed that the military presence posed a threat to his life.
During a press conference, Thera hinted at a plot to assassinate him by security personnel dressed in civilian clothes. This sensational accusation sparked controversy in the island nation, with Thera also criticizing the government for cutting off electricity to the temple premises due to unpaid bills.
The government refuted the allegations, clarifying that security officers were stationed after a thorough assessment to ensure the safety of devotees and tourists visiting the site in the Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka's North Central region.
In their Dec. 18 letter, the Buddhist prelates emphasized that the Mihintale shrine is not only a heritage for all Sri Lankans but for the entire world. They urged all responsible departments, including the president, to collaborate in securing the sacred site for future generations.
Signatories of the letter included Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera of the Malwathu chapter and Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera of the Asgiriya chapter, among others.
The monks acknowledged the Sri Lankan Army's contributions to the development work at the historical site and suggested that it continue in conjunction with the appropriate involvement of Civil Defense Department officials and the Sri Lanka Police to guarantee the safety of pilgrims and foreign tourists.
In parliament, Tennekoon disclosed that a total of 252 service personnel from the army, navy, and civil defense department were assigned to the security and maintenance of the temple. Nihal Thalduwa, the police spokesman, confirmed that 25 police personnel would remain at the Mihintale temple shrine to ensure there is no security threat to the religious site.
Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority nation, has approximately 70 percent of its 21 million people adhering to Buddhism. The remaining population includes 13 percent Hindus, 10 percent Muslims, and 7 percent Christians.
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