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Buddhist temple being constructed in Mullaitivu despite ban says NPC councillor

A Buddhist temple is being built in Kokkilai, Mullaitivu despite the construction being prohibited, said the Northen Provincial council member Thurairajah Ravikaran.

Mr Ravikaran visited the site, after receiving a complaint from locals, who said a Buddhist monk was continuing with the construction, disobeying the order.
 
The building of the Buddhist temple (vihara) was prohibited after concerns were raised by locals, at a meeting between members of the public and senior officials of Land Ministry last week.

Mr Ravikaran said he was told that written information on ban was delivered to the the Buddhist monk, responsible for building the vihara, following the meeting.

Whilst he has informed the Sri Lankan army that the monk is contravening the ban, Mr Ravikaran said that the soldiers were giving contradictory information regarding whether the building was going ahead or not.
 
“Having initially been told that the monk was present, the army later said that he had gone to Colombo," said Mr Ravikaran.
 
“I witnessed on Friday [June] 19th, when I visited the area, that building work is being continued."
 
“I asked the army about this. They told that it was true that minor work was being done. Moreover, they said that the monk did not tell them about the ban.”
 
“Whilst the ban is officially issued, violating it like this is unlawful. I am going to inform this to relevant authorities and take action."

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