Former parliamentarian M. A. Sumanthiran has accused the Sri Lankan police of attempting to prevent the implementation of the law out of fear of Sinhala Buddhist clergy, alleging that officers were acting under a “Sinhala-Buddhist supremacist mindset” in relation to the controversial Thaiyiddy Tissa Vihara issue in Jaffna.
The remarks were made after proceedings at the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court concerning a case filed by the Sri Lankan Police seeking an order preventing the Valikamam North Pradeshiya Sabha from reclaiming a road belonging to the local council within the premises of the Thaiyiddy Tissa Vihara.
Sumanthiran appeared before court on behalf of the Chairman and Secretary of the Valikamam North Pradeshiya Sabha during the hearing.
Speaking to media afterwards, Sumanthiran said the police had informed court that reclaiming the road could lead to a breach of peace. The road in question, known as “Bhavani Road”, belongs to the local council but has been blocked off with fencing erected by the temple administration illegally.
He stated that the Pradeshiya Sabha had initiated action in accordance with the law to remove the obstruction and restore access to the public road. Sumanthiran added that the police should act against those obstructing the implementation of the law, not against those seeking to enforce it.
Referring to complaints reportedly made by the chief incumbent of the vihara, Sumanthiran questioned who exactly was threatening public peace.
“The vihara’s chief priest has complained that enforcing the law would create unrest. Who is creating that unrest? It is as if he is saying, ‘I myself will create the disturbance if the law is implemented’,” he remarked.
Sumanthiran further alleged that police officers were attempting to commit legal violations by obstructing those carrying out lawful duties.
“This is a Sinhala-Buddhist supremacist mindset. Because the police officers are Buddhists, they are afraid of Buddhist prelates and are trying to engage in unlawful conduct,” he charged.
He added that legal action would be pursued against those attempting to obstruct the enforcement of the law.
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Source: tamilguardian.com
