Thaiyiddy residents defy heavy rain in protest against Buddhist temple

A protest was staged in Jaffna on Sunday, against a Buddhist temple that has been built illegally, with demonstrators demanding its removal from the site.

The demonstration took place amid heavy rainfall and marked yet another day of protest against the Tissa Vihara by local Tamils.

Protesters reiterated that the vihara was constructed without lawful authorisation and represents an encroachment on land in the Tamil homeland. They stressed that their demand was not merely symbolic, but a call for the complete removal of the structure from Thaiyiddy.

Demonstrations against the Tissa Vihara have been held regularly on full moon days, with residents and activists maintaining a consistent presence at the site. 

Observers noted a significant deployment of Sri Lankan police officers at the protest site. A large contingent of police remained stationed in and around the area throughout the demonstration, monitoring proceedings as protesters gathered in the rain.

The protest in Thaiyiddy comes amid wider opposition to the construction of Buddhist religious structures in Tamil areas, which Tamils have repeatedly described as part of a broader pattern of state-backed encroachment and Sinhalisation.